BOULDER, Colo. - Craig Joubert of South Africa has been appointed to referee the match between the USA Eagles and New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field in Chicago Nov. 1, 2014.

Joubert is one of the most experienced referees in the world, having officiated more than 50 test matches including British & Irish Lions tours, The Rugby Championship, 6 Nations and the Bledisloe Cup. He has also overseen 84 Super Rugby matches including three Finals, many Currie Cup matches, and a Currie Cup Final. In 2011, Joubert refereed both the IRB Rugby World Cup Semifinal and Final.

"I refereed my very first IRB-appointed test match in the USA (USA vs Wales – Connecticut 2005) and now, 52 tests later, I’m back in the States to referee another test match,” Joubert said. “I am enormously excited about being involved in this historic test match and can’t wait to get to Chicago to meet up again with my old friends involved in USA Rugby and see how rugby has developed.”

“It is great to have a referee of Craig's caliber appointed to this very important milestone for USA Rugby,” USA Rugby High Performance Referee Manager Richard Every said. “I have known Craig since his career started in South Africa and he has always approached the game with the utmost professionalism, which is why he has become one of the best referees in the world. The support from the IRB Match Official Manager, Joël Jutge, and his selection committee in developing officials across the globe is steadily expanding, is very much appreciated, and this appointment assists in that process as the top referees are always willing to share their expertise and experience wherever they travel.”

USA Eagles v New Zealand All Blacks
Referee: Craig Joubert (SA)
Assistant Referee 1: Chris Assmus (CAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Andrew McMaster (CAN)
Television Match Official: Brian Arciero (CAN)