MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / News / Sport / SA Rugby Match Official Panels for 2026

SA Rugby Match Official Panels for 2026

SA Rugby has confirmed the match official panels for the 2026 season, featuring the country’s most elite and promising referees in an Elite 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 (WP), Stiaan Marx (Bulls), and Thabiso Mbatha (KZN) – 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 SA Rugby Youth Weeks pathways, testing them at the SA Rugby 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 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division finals, will take up a role in the Referees Department as a Talent Identification Manager from 1 January 2026.

SA Rugby 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.

Category: Tag:

If you feel strongly about this article then feel free to send MyZA a ‘Letter to the Editor’ using the submission form below:

Letter to the Editor

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
If this is in response to an article please include that article title here or as the lead in for the first paragraph of your Letter below.

Separate tags with commas

Localise your letter by naming the city your words are about. Add relevant words describing your subject. Single comma separated words of no more than 5
Your Name(Required)
Your Name will be linked to the website below.
Your personal, business or social media web site
Choose NO to not set up a user account on MyZA. User Accounts will allow you to submit letters under your own Author Name

3 Latest Letters to the Editor:

  • Fun South African fact

    Dear Editor Fun South African fact: towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are home to world-class wine farms set in stunning, scenic surroundings. Regards Aressa Smith In Response to/From: Luxury Properties Seized in New Lottery Crackdown

  • Condolences on the Passing of Lusanda Dumke

    Statement by Leander Kruger MPL – DA Buffalo City Constituency Leader: The Democratic Alliance in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mourns the passing of Springbok Women’s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Lusanda Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source…

  • Rape Kits Delivered, But…

    Statement by Nicholas Gotsell MP – DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice: The DA can confirm that 2 840 rape kits arrived in Cape Town on Monday, following sustained DA oversight and pressure after multiple police stations across the Western Cape were found to be without this critical forensic evidence tool. While this delivery…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The most common physical injuries among cricketers is a hamstring strain. This occurs among players in this sport due to sudden bursts of movement required in the game. Cricketers often stand still for long periods before they run or bowl. A hamstring strain also occurs due to overuse of muscles and joints.

  2. The first rugby sevens tournament was held in 1883 in Melrose, Scotland. The shorter, faster version of rugby was created to raise funds for the local club and has since grown into an international sport, making its Olympic debut in 2016.