League officials selected for World Rugby competitions for consecutive years
WHAT – World Rugby has appointed three MLR Referees to officiate in the U20s Six Nations competition in February. Luke Rogan (Referee), Robin Kaluzniak (AR1) and Mike Lawrenson (AR2) will serve in two matches, representing the second-straight year that MLR officials were present during competition.
WHY – The appointments demonstrate further progress for American officials under MLR’s development model for its referee group that was crafted by David Wilkinson, the league’s Director of Match Officials. Last season, MLR official Lex Weiner officiated the third-place match of the World Rugby U20 Championship, the highest level of rugby reached by an American male official in the 15s game. In addition, six officials received World Rugby summer match appointments, and three MLR officials received appointments during winter/spring World Rugby competitions.
WHO – A longtime MLR official, Rogan is one of two officials to receive multiple referee appointments during the tournament. He has recorded 72 appearances in MLR matches, the second-most of all time. Kaluzniak has recorded appearances in 28 matches, while Lawrenson has made four appearances as an MLR official.
WHEN – The MLR crew will officiate the England-Wales match on Friday, Feb. 6 at Northampton’s Cinch Stadium before refereeing the Ireland-Italy match on Friday, Feb. 13 at Virgin Media Park in Cork.
