Garces becomes first Frenchman appointed to referee Rugby World Cup final
The 46-year-old will take charge of Saturday’s clash between England and South Africa
Jerome Garces will referee Saturday’s World Cup final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama.
Garces becomes the first Frenchman to take charge of the global showpiece after seeing off the challenge of Wales’ Nigel Owens for the role.
The 46-year-old has overseen 55 Tests including 10 World Cup games to make him one of the game’s most experienced officials.
His fellow Frenchman Romain Poite and Ben O’Keeffe of New Zealand have been named as assistant referees.
“I’m honoured and delighted to be appointed to referee the 2019 World Cup final,” Garces said.
“It’s a dream as a referee but this is a team sport. As a team of four, we’ll be out there to do the best for the teams, the fans, the sport, but also the entire match officials team, selectors and support team.
“All of them have worked so hard over the last four years, culminating in the World Cup final.”
England’s Wayne Barnes will take charge of the bronze final between Wales and New Zealand at Tokyo Stadium on Friday in his 90th Test.
Peyper issued the red card and was pictured re-enacting the incident with Welsh fans.
