Adamson becomes first Scottish official to referee Guinness PRO14 Final

It continues an impressive season for Adamson who refereed his first Guinness Six Nations fixture in early February, overseeing England’s home win against Italy.

The 36-year-old also recently refereed his 50^th game in the Guinness PRO14 last month having made his Championship debut in 2016. Adamson, a former Scotland 7s player, is no stranger to a big occasion having taken charge of the 2019 Semi-final between these two teams before acting as assistant referee the following week the 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final in Glasgow.

Adamson has also refereed at the 2016 Rio Olympics where he was appointed to the Semi-final between Fiji and Japan. A product of elite referee pathway, Adamson has become a leading figure for Scotland’s match official programme which has most recently seen Hollie Davidson referee her first game in the Guinness PRO14.

Andy Macpherson, Scottish Rugby’s Referee Development Manager said: “Mike has taken significant steps forward in his career over the last 12 months, including officiating his first Men’s Six Nations fixture [England v Italy] in February of this year. It’s fantastic to see him continue to progress with his appointment to referee in the upcoming Guinness PRO14 Final.

“Over the course of the last five years, Scottish Rugby has invested heavily in developing referees at all levels of the game, especially those on our elite pathway. But ultimately, much of that success comes down to the individuals themselves. It is a testament to Mike’s hard work, determination, and skill that he has been appointed to referee his first major competition final.

“On behalf of Scottish Rugby I’d like to once again congratulate Mike, we wish him all the very best for the fixture.”
Andy Macpherson, Referee Development Manager

Greg Garner, Elite Referee Manager of PRO14 Rugby, said: “Our final is about the best teams getting their opportunity to lift the trophy they have worked so hard for all year and everyone involved in the selection process for our match officials also wants the best performing referees to get their chance on the biggest stage.

“Mike’s appointment is rewarding to not only for him to referee his first final, but to mark the great progress that has been made by Andy Macpherson, Tappe Henning and their team in Scottish Rugby to develop new refereeing talent. Seven months ago Andrew Brace took charge of his first Guinness PRO14 final having begun his professional career just a year earlier than Mike (2015) and these two appointments should serve as great encouragement for all of our young officials.

“I would like to congratulate Mike and all of the match officials selected this weekend and wish them the very best of luck.”

Guinness PRO14 Final – Match Officials

Leinster v Munster – KO 17:00

RDS Arena, Dublin

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 51^st Championship appearance)

AR1: Sean Gallagher (IRFU), AR2: Chris Busby (IRFU)

TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU).