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Australia\u2019s Nic Berry is one of the referees at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
The Australian made his tournament debut four years ago in Japan, and returns to the officiating panel in France.<\/p>\n
A former professional player, Berry impressed as a scrum half in Super Rugby, the French Top 14 and England\u2019s Premiership.<\/p>\n
His career was curtailed at the start of the 2012\/12 season, however, on medical advice after suffering a series of concussions.<\/p>\n
Soon after retirement, Berry picked up the whistle and was fast-tracked up through the Australian officiating system, making a debut in Super Rugby in April 2016.<\/p>\n
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An international debut followed soon after, before Berry earned a debut selection to the team of referees in 2019 alongside compatriot Angus Gardner.<\/p>\n
The pair return as Australia\u2019s on-pitch officiating representation at this year\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n
Berry is perhaps best known, though, for his involvement in the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.<\/p>\n
After taking charge of the first Test in Cape Town, a video made by Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks\u2019 director of rugby, criticising the Australian\u2019s decision-making throughout the game was leaked.<\/p>\n
Erasmus was subsequently found guilty of threatening Berry, with the official testifying that his reputation had suffered \u201cirreparable damage\u201d. Erasmus was banned from all rugby activities for two months.<\/p>\n