The Investec Super Rugby competition may have taken a break for the June Test window, but two Bay of Plenty referees will still be in action on the international stage.

While the All Blacks start their 2016 campaign in Auckland this weekend against Wales, Glen Jackson, heads to South Africa to officiate in the South Africa v Ireland series.

Glen Jackson will officiate the test between South Africa and Ireland. Photo: File.

On Saturday 18, in Johannesburg, he along with Ben Whitehouse from Wales will run the touch lines for Australia's Angus Gardner.

Then the following week, for game two of the series, all three head to Port Elizabeth where Glen carries the whistle, while the other two take their position on the side-line.

Glen says he is excited by the challenge of two great sides from different hemispheres.

'South Africa is such a proud rugby nation and with a new coach taking over there will be some big expectations. Ireland have played some great rugby under kiwi Joe Schmidt so it should be a great series to be part of.”

Meanwhile, Nick Briant, fresh from his Super 8 match Tauranga Boys' College v Rotorua Boys' High School on Thursday heads to Suva Fiji, to control the Tonga v Georgia test next Saturday June 18. He then heads to Apia to run touch for the Samoa v Tonga match.

Nick says it is an exciting challenge for him to officiate between two tough and uncompromising teams.

'Georgia are one of the rising teams in international rugby and I'm sure they will take it to Tonga up front. The Tongans are well renowned for their physical play and will give as good as they get. I'll be staying well clear of the collisions in this one.”

Referee manager Pat Rae it is always good for local referee morale when they watch their mates be involved in big matches on TV.

'I'd guess it's a bit like what goes through the minds of Te Puke Sports supporters when Nathan Harris plays for the All Blacks.”

For a full list of June International Match official appointments click here.