Western Province’s Marius van der Westhuizen is to become South Africa’s 69th Test referee when he officiates in the Tbilisi Cup in June 2015.

Van der Westhuizen, like Craig Joubert and Stuart Berry, did remarkably well in World Rugby’s Sevens Series and is now concentrating on 15-man rugby. Last year he broke into Vodacom Super Rugby and has acquitted himself remarkably well.

At present Van der Westhuizen is recovering from a burst appendix after an operation last Saturday. The appendix kept him out of refereeing the Vodacom Super Rugby, Round Eight match between the Sharks and the Crusaders in Durban.

Georgia are really keen on their rugby. In fact it is regarded as their national sport.

Georgia have just ended top of the European Nations Cup Division 1A, which is often referred to as the Six Nations B. They will be using the Tbilisi Cup in June as part of their preparations for the Rugby World Cup. This will be the third year of the Tbilisi Cup and will be played on June 7-16 (2015), with playing days on June 7, 11 and 16. The teams taking part will be hosts Georgia, Uruguay, Emerging Ireland and South Africa President’s XV.

The Georgians have been having a lot of input recently from Irish referees who have been helping in the development of Georgia’s referees.

In making the announcement, André Watson, South Africa’s Manager of Referees, said: “Well done with the appointment in Georgia, Marius. May it be the first of many.”