SARU adds three 'promising' rookies to referees panel
NEWS: The South African Rugby Union confirmed the match official panels for the 2026 season.
It features the country’s most elite and promising referees in a group featuring four referees with Test experience.
The group remains largely unchanged from last year, with the addition of three newcomers to the National Panel – Luvuyo Maceba (Western Province), Stiaan Marx (Bulls), and Thabiso Mbatha (KwaZulu-Natal) – which is a welcome boost for the refereeing ranks and the future of officiating in South Africa.
Banks Yantolo, SA Rugby’s General Manager for Referees, said he is especially excited for the inclusion of some of the most promising match officials to the national panel.
“There are no significant changes from last year’s panels as we continue with a settled group,” said Yantolo.
“Our focus remains on creating opportunities for young, up-and-coming referees who have a long runway ahead of them age-wise.
“We continue to unearth talented referees through our youth weeks pathways, testing them at the Under-19 competition level before promoting them to the national panel.
“This system ensures that only the best progress through the ranks, and the promotion of Luvuyo, Stiaan, and Thabiso is exciting for the future of South African refereeing.”
Also included in the national referees panel are six dedicated Television Match Officials, while Cwengile Jadezweni, who has refereed two Currie Cup finals, will take up a role in the Referees Department as a Talent Identification Manager from January 1.
SARU match official panels for 2026
Elite Group: Aimee Barrett-Theron *, AJ Jacobs *, Christopher Allison, Griffin Colby, Marius van der Westhuizen *, Morne Ferreira *. Reserves to the Elite Group: Hanru van Rooyen, Sean Muller.
* Test experience
National Panel: Angie Bezuidenhout, Caleb Hibbert, Charlwin Daries, Daniel Canhenga, Dylen November, Eon van Zyl, Excellent Mnkomo, Giana Viljoen, Hernus Coetzee, Jonathan Lottering, Juan de Bod, Lulutho Matomela, Luvuyo Maceba, Paul Mente, Siyanda Pikoli, Stephan Geldenhuys, Stiaan Marx, Thabiso Mbatha, Zoe Naude.
TMO Panel: Archie Moko, Ben Crouse, Christie du Preez, Egon Seconds, Marius Jonker, Quinton Immelman.
