World Rugby has announced amendments to the match official appointments for the final two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations, owing to ongoing restrictions as a result of the global pandemic.

With South African officials Jaco Peyper and Marius van der Westhuizen unable to take their place in the team of four for England versus France on 13 March and Scotland versus Italy on 20 March, a reshuffle of the appointments for four of the final six matches has been made.

Andrew Brace (Ireland) will take Peyper’s place as referee for England versus France, while Wayne Barnes (England) will take Brace’s place with the whistle for Italy versus Wales for what will be his third match of the 2021 Championship. Pascal Gaüzère (France) will replace Peyper as referee for Scotland versus Italy for his second match of the Championship.

As a consequence of the reshuffle, there are also revised assistant referee and Television Match Official appointments. The full new appointments list can be viewed here.