Jaco Peyper is the solitary South African named on the referee panel for this year’s World Cup in Japan, while Marius Jonker has been selected among the TMOs.

On Tuesday, World Rugby announced the squad of 23 match officials selected to take charge of the 48 matches at showpiece event, which runs from 20 September to 2 November.

The group comprises 12 referees, seven assistant referees and four Television Match Officials (TMOs) representing nine nations.

The team has been selected on a merit basis after a comprehensive review of performances over the last four international windows, and features an exciting and strong blend of experience and youth.

Referees (12): Wayne Barnes (England), Luke Pearce (England), Jérôme Garcès (France), Romain Poite (France), Pascal Gaüzère (France), Mathieu Raynal (France), Nigel Owens (Wales), Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Paul Williams (New Zealand), Nic Berry (Australia), Angus Gardner (Australia)

Assistant referees (7): Matthew Carley (England, reserve referee), Karl Dickson (England), Andrew Brace (Ireland), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Federico Anselmi (Argentina), Shuhei Kubo (Japan), Alex Ruiz (France)

TMOs (4): Graham Hughes (England), Rowan Kitt (England), Ben Skeen (New Zealand), Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix