Premiership referees to 26 August 2020

Wayne Barnes is back in the middle for the first time since Gallagher Premiership Rugby's restart when he presides over the top-of-the-table clash between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs.

The Chiefs have been immense since lockdown, scoring 58 points combined in wins against Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks to stretch their lead at the top of the pile. The Bears have also been irresistible since the restart, beating Saracens and Gloucester Rugby to move second – eight points behind the all-conquering Chiefs.

Craig Maxwell-Keys and Karl Dickson will assist Barnes, while Rowan Kitt will be the TMO.

Tuesday's other game also has major semi-final ramifications, with third-placed Wasps hosting fourth-placed Sale Sharks. Matthew Carley will take the whistle for that one, with Greg MacDonald and Jonathan Healy running the line.

Ian Tempest has the best seat in the house for Saracens’ home clash with Gloucester Rugby 24 hours later, with Adam Leal and Roy Maybank his assistants and Dickson for TMO, while Christophe Ridley has the honour of refereeing Northampton Saints and Bath – ably assisted by Paul Dix and Jamie Leahy, with Barnes on TMO duty.

Jack Makepeace is the man in the middle for Worcester Warriors’ home clash with Harlequins with Tom Foley as TMO, while Luke Pearce is in charge for Leicester Tigers and London Irish, where Andrew Jackson and Wayne Falla will be his assistants.

Tuesday, 25 August 2020

Wasps v Sale Sharks at Ricoh Arena

Referee: Matthew Carley

Assistants: Greg MacDonald, Jonathan Healy

TMO: Nigel Carrick

Bristol Bears v Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate

Referee: Wayne Barnes

Assistants: Craig Maxwell-Keys, Karl Dickson

TMO: Rowan Kitt

Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Saracens v Gloucester Rugby at Allianz Park

Referee: Ian Tempest

Assistants: Adam Leal, Roy Maybank

TMO: Karl Dickson

Worcester Warriors v Harlequins at Sixways

Referee: Jack Makepeace

Assistants: Peter Allan, Phil Watters

TMO: Tom Foley

Leicester Tigers v London Irish at Welford Road

Referee: Luke Pearce

Assistants: Andrew Jackson, Wayne Falla

TMO: Sean Davey

Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby at Franklin’s Gardens

Referee: Christophe Ridley

Assistants: Paul Dix, Jamie Leahy

TMO: Wayne Barnes