NEWS

Federico Anselmi Officiates 50th MLR Match

Federico Anselmi Officiates 50th MLR Match in Houston tonight at the Houston SaberCats versus New England Free Jacks match.

Federico Anselmi grew up playing for Olivos Rugby Club in Munro, Buenos Aires. That love for Rugby continued, leading him onto the center of the pitch as a referee in 2004.

Affectionately known as ‘Boli,” he began a long career on the International in 2009 on the HSBC SVNS Series. In 2012, he made his international XVs debut. In 2013, he was a member of the Rugby World Cup 7s panel and would become a member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Referee panel. In 2016, Anselmi would be named to the Super Rugby Refereeing panel. His time in MLR began during the 2021 season; following an excellent season in 2022, he was appointed the referee for the MLR Championship Final.

Photo by Lauren Sopourn

“I am very happy for these 50 games; they mean a lot to me and my family. Many thanks to Lola, my wife, for all the support. Thank you to MLR for giving me the opportunity and trusting in my work. We are very happy and proud to be part of this League,” said Federico Anselmi.

Federico ‘Boli’ Anselmi has been a major part of MLR Refereeing since his first game in April 2021, none more so than refereeing the Championship game in 2022. Boli brings a wealth of experience to our Referee Team both on and off the pitch, having officiated all over the world. Reaching this milestone of 50 appearances as a center referee is a testament to Boli’s work ethic and willingness to learn and improve. The whole MLR Referee Team wishes Boli well for this remarkable achievement, and I look forward to working with him in many more games to come,” said David Wilkinson, MLR Director of Match Officials