Jerome Garces said he was “honoured and delighted” at becoming the first Frenchman appointed to referee the Rugby World Cup final.
Nigel Owens, the 48-year-old Welshman who refereed the final four years ago, was due to be a touch judge but has a calf injury, meaning England’s semi-
final win over New Zealand was probably his last action before retirement.
Garces refereed South Africa’s semi-final win over Wales on Sunday — his 55th Test — and, despite receiving criticism from former referee Rob Debney for his performance, has been given the nod for the Springboks’ meeting with England in Yokohama.
He will be assisted by his compatriot Romain Poite and New Zealander Ben O’Keeffe. Another Kiwi, Ben Skeen, will be TMO.
Garces refereed England’s last eight win over Australia. Under Eddie Jones, England have lost two of the seven Tests he has refereed.
Garces said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed to referee the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. It is a dream as a referee, but this is a team sport, and as a team of four, we will be out there to do the best for the teams, the fans, the sport.”
Englishman Wayne Barnes takes charge of the bronze medal match between Wales and New Zealand on Friday. Jaco Peyper, who was not considered for the semi-final after a picture of him joking with Wales fans went viral, will be a touch judge.
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