Scotland v Wales referee: Who is Six Nations official Andrea Piardi?

The Italian made his competition debut last year

Andrea Piardi became the first Italian to take charge of a men’s Six Nations fixture (Getty Images)

Andrea Piardi takes charge of the round four fixture between Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations.

Piardi became the first Italian to take charge of a fixture in the men’s competition when he oversaw his first game last year.

The 32-year-old has been a familiar face on the touchlines as an assistant over the last few years, travelling to the World Cup in France in the autumn of 2023 as the sole Italian representative in the officiating group.

Born in Brescia, Piardi made his debut in what is now the United Rugby Championship in 2019, and he stepped up to international level that March, looking after Germany vs Spain in Cologne.

His quick rise continued with an appointment to the URC final between the Stormers and Munster in 2023, with Piardi now hoping to build further success with the whistle as he becomes a regular in the world’s top competitions.

A mechanical engineering graduate from his hometown university, Piardi became a professional referee less than two years ago. He has a compatriot for company at Murrayfield, with fellow Italian Gianluca Gnecchi on the touchline as one of two assistants.

Match officials for Scotland vs Wales

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)

Assistant Referees: Nic Berry (Aus) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)

Television Match Officials: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Foul Play Review Officer: Tual Trainini (Fra)