England's Wayne Barnes has been appointed as the referee for Saturday's Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.
The 44-year-old is already the most-capped referee in rugby having taken charge of 110 Tests, and number 111 will now be another notable addition to his list of career achievements.
Barnes will become only the second-ever Englishman to referee a Rugby World Cup final after Ed Morrison oversaw the 1995 edition, which coincidentally was the only previous title decider between New Zealand and South Africa.
Saturday's showpiece will be a record 27th Rugby World Cup match for Barnes and his sixth of the 2023 tournament, equalling his own record which he set four years ago in Japan.
"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," said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.
"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 well this weekend."
Wayne Barnes has been appointed as the referee for the #RWCFinal for the first time 👏#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/QYLBxcFfkO
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 23, 2023
The Gloucestershire-born referee will be assisted by compatriots Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley, while Tom Foley will be the Television Match Official - the first time ever that all of the officials have been from one country.
"It speaks volumes for the quality of English officials and this group who work so brilliantly alongside one another," Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney said in a statement.
"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."
Barnes did not take charge of either semi-final last weekend, but was in the middle for New Zealand's titanic victory over Ireland in the quarter-finals.
Both New Zealand and South Africa will be bidding to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy for a record fourth time, with one of the two countries having won each of the last four editions of the tournament since England's win in 2003.
Australia's Nic Berry will take charge of the bronze medal match, which sees Argentina face England on Friday night.
Barney Corkhill
