Nigel Owens has been denied a fitting farewell to the Rugby World Cup after injury ruled him out of taking part in the showpiece final.
The popular Welsh whistle-blower, who is widely acknowledged as union's best referee, was a contender to control Saturday's clash between England and South Africa in Yokohama.
He had been at the top of his powers when handling New Zealand's quarter-final thrashing of Ireland and England's semi-final demolition of the All Blacks.
Owens was nevertheless regarded as an outsider to referee the final after taking charge of the All Blacks' triumph over Australia at Twickenham four years ago. He would, however, have probably been expected to take on an assistant referee role.
But he's suffered a calf injury and was ruled out of consideration for any role by World Rugby. You can see the full appointments for the final and bronze medal match here.
There's isn't an age limit for referees but they have to pass punishing physical tests prescribed by union bosses and, at 48, it is likely Owens has refereed his final World Cup match.
He had told WalesOnline in April 2016 he planned to retire following the tournament but is still enjoying refereeing and has yet to make a firm decision on his future.
Owens is due to make make another piece of rugby history next month after being given the opportunity to referee Wales in a Test match.
World Rugby have given him special dispensation to take charge of the November 30 clash between Wales and the Barbarians at the Principality Stadium.
It is thought to be the first time an official has been put in charge of a post-war international involving his country.
The honour of officiating Saturday's World Cup final showdown between favourite England and South Africa went to Jerome Garces.
The 46-year-old Frenchman, who has been a referee for 26 years, was appointed despite his controversial handling of the breakdown during Wales' 19-16 semi-final exit to South Africa.
Garces was panned by some critics with former professional referee Rob Debney claiming he had allowed a free-for-all at the breakdown and got two major decisions wrong late in the match to cost Wales any hope of reaching a first final.
It will be the first time a World Cup final has been refereed by a French official with Garces' fellow countryman Romain Poite and New Zealander Ben O'Keeffe as his assistants, and Kiwi Ben Skeen the television match official.
World Rugby said the appointments were made after a comprehensive review of the weekend’s semi-finals by its match officials selection committee, which is chaired by former Wales and Llanelli RFC prop Anthony Buchanan.
