Murray Kinsella reports from London
WORLD RUGBY HAS appointed Nigel Owens as the referee for Saturday’s World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia.
The decision had been expected after Welshman Owens was not involved in last weekend’s semi-finals in Twickenham, strongly indicating that he would be handed the final.
Owens will be a popular appointment for this year’s decider, given his ability to facilitate open, attacking rugby and his well-known rapport with players. The 44-year-old has provided many classic quotes on the pitch in recent years.
Owens was first appointed as an international referee in 2005, with his debut Test match seeing him making the calls when Ireland clashed with Japan in Osaka. The Welshman was involved in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, taking charge of a quarter-final four years ago.
World Rugby has also confirmed that Jérôme Garcès of France and England’s Wayne Barnes will act as Owens’ assistant referees, with Shaun Veldsman of South Africa serving as the television match official.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s John Lacey will referee Friday night’s bronze final between South Africa and Argentina at Olympic Park. Kiwi pair Glen Jackson and Chris Pollock will run the lines and England’s Graham Hughes will be on TMO duty.
