This remarkable achievement not only marks a major personal milestone for Andrew but also highlights the high standard of officiating within the URC, a competition that continues to showcase the very best talent in the game. For Andrew, this is the latest in a series of accomplishments that have seen him rise through the ranks to become one of the leading Irish figures in rugby refereeing on the international stage.
BKT United Rugby Championship Quarter-Final, Aviva Stadium – Ulster’s David McCann speaks to referee Andrew Brace – Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Andrew’s career as a referee began in 2015, a year that saw him make his debut in the professional rugby world when he officiated his first United Rugby Championship (known then as thePro12) match between Cardiff Blues and Zebre in September.
After his initial breakthrough in the competition, Andrew quickly earned a reputation for his consistency and calmness under pressure. He made his European debut in 2016 before making the step up to international level the following year for the Canada v Georgia game.
Over the years, Andrew has been entrusted with a number of key games in the URC, including playoff matches. His experience in officiating at the highest level of the game, further cements his position as one of rugby’s most trusted and respected referees.
Autumn Nations Series – England vs South Africa – Referee Andrew Brace and South Africa’s Siya Kolisi after the game – Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Andrew Fosker
His clear communication with players, composure on the field, and unwavering commitment to the integrity of the game have helped him reach this milestone in his career.
Dudley Phillips, Head of Referees for the IRFU says;
“As a key member of the IRFU’s High Performance panel of referees, Andrew’s achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of referees and rugby players alike. On behalf of the IRFU I would like to congratulate Andrew on reaching this impressive milestone. His achievements to date have been a testament to his dedication to the sport and we wish Andrew continued success in his refereeing career.”
