WORLD RUGBY HAS confirmed that Englishman Wayne Barnes will referee the World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand this Saturday at Stade de France [KO 8pm Irish time, RTÉ and Virgin Media.
This will be 44-year-old Barnes' first time in charge of the World Cup final. He is the first English referee to be awarded the honour since Ed Morrison, who was the man in the middle for the 1995 final between the same sides.
Barnes, who is the world's most-capped referee having taken charge of 110 internationals, will be supported in the final by an all-English team of match officials on Saturday.
Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley will be the assistant referees for the final, with Tom Foley named as the Television Match Official [TMO].
Australia’s Nic Berry will referee the bronze final between England and Argentina on Friday night, with Ireland’s Andrew Brace and Nika Amashukeli of Georgia named as his assistant referees, while Ben Whitehouse of Wales on TMO duty.
“Wayne’s ability to read and understand the game is second to none,” said World Rugby high performance 15s match official manager, Joël Jutge.
“He also embodies the passion, professionalism and dedication that is at the heart of a superb team of match officials at this Rugby World Cup.
“While an individual ultimately has the accolade of refereeing the final, it is the team of 26 officials who have all played their part in this moment.
“I would also like to congratulate Karl, Matthew and Tom on their appointments to the final as well as Nic, Nika, Andrew and Ben on their bronze final appointments.”
