Referees confirmed for World Cup final and bronze final

Wayne Barnes is set to take charge of his first ever World Cup final on Saturday as the reigning champions South Africa face the All Blacks at the Stade de France.

The Englishman is the most capped referee in the history of Test rugby having been the man in the middle for 110 Tests. He will be joined by compatriots Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley as his assistant referees, while Tom Foley will serve as the Television Match Official.

Nic Berry is set to take charge of the bronze final between England and Argentina the night before, and will make up an officiating team alongside Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli and Ireland’s Andrew Brace as assistant referees, with Wales’ Ben Whitehouse as TMO.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber discusses team selection for the World Cup Final face-off against the All Blacks

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber discusses team selection for the World Cup Final face-off against the All Blacks

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “On behalf of World Rugby, I would like to congratulate Wayne Barnes on his deserved appointment as the Rugby World Cup 2023 final referee. Such an appointment is a reflection of Wayne’s calibre, not just at this tournament but over a distinguished career.

“It is a result of his devotion to the game, the support of his family and the spirit of collaboration and excellence that exists across our entire match official team. We wish him and Nic Berry well this weekend.”

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: “Congratulations to the match official team. We are so pleased that Wayne will referee his first final alongside Karl, Matthew, Tom and Luke. It is the first time in world cup history that all the officials have been appointed from one union and it speaks volumes for the quality of English officials and this group who work so brilliantly alongside one another. All of our officials who have played a part in this tournament can be very proud of the contribution they have made to its success, and we look forward to congratulating them in person on their return home.”

World Rugby High Performance 15s Match Official Manager Joël Jutge added: “Wayne’s ability to read and understand the game is second to none. 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.”