It is one of the most recognized whistles in the world.
Karl Dickson will be at the helm of the clash between the XV of France and Ireland, which launches the 2024 Six Nations Tournament, Friday evening (9 p.m.) at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille.
The 41-year-old Englishman is an experienced official, with two World Cups under his belt.
The first in 2019 in Japan, where he was selected as an assistant referee.
And the second last fall in France, where he notably led Fabien Galthié's men during their resounding victory (60-7) over Italy in group play.
Karl Dickson had also officiated at Wales - Portugal, Scotland - Tonga and Fiji - Georgia.
He also became known for having replaced the South African Jaco Peyper during the quarter-final of the World Cup between the Welsh and the Argentines.
The latter was injured after a quarter of an hour of play, and had given way to his colleague on the Vélodrome pitch.
The English referee had been criticized for not having sanctioned the shoulder-forward tackle of the Pumas second row, Guido Petti, on the center three-quarter of the Leek XV, Nick Tompkins.
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Dickson finished his World Cup in France as assistant referee in the final between South Africa and New Zealand, captained by his compatriot Wayne Barnes.
Since then, the Englishman has notably officiated in the Champions Cup, where he had the opportunity to referee the French Union Bordeaux-Bègles on two occasions.
Champion of England as a player in 2012
But Karl Dickson didn't always walk the grounds with a whistle.
This former scrum half managed to turn professional in England, and won the European Challenge in 2011 and the championship in 2012 under the Harlequins jersey.
He ended his playing career in 2017. And discovered a completely different world.
“As a player, as a number 9, you try to referee the match the way you feel,” he explains to Rugby Pass in an interview given on the occasion of the release of the World Rugby documentary devoted to referees,
Whistleblowers
.
But in reality, you have no idea what referees go through, what their lifestyle is like, what behind the scenes it's like, especially at the professional level.
»
Ben O'Keeffe, referee criticized by Blues captain Antoine Dupont for his decisions during the quarter-final lost against the Springboks, will also be in charge of a match on this first day of the Six Nations Tournament.
The New Zealander will take charge of Wales - Scotland on Saturday in Cardiff.