Referee Jerome Garces will become the first Frenchman to take charge of a Rugby World Cup final after being appointed to officiate in Saturday’s clash between the Springboks and England.

It will be the third time that Garces wields the whistle in a match involving the Springboks at this World Cup. He first officiated South Africa’s opener against the All Blacks, and was also in charge of last weekend’s semi-final against Wales.

Although Garces did face some criticism over his officiating of the opening game, most pundits felt he handled the game between the Boks and Wales well. He has now been rewarded with the appointment for the final over Welshman Nigel Owens, who many felt would crack the nod.

Garces will be assisted by compatriot Romain Poite and New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe, with another Kiwi, Ben Skeen, the television match official (TMO).

Meanwhile, World Rugby named England’s Wayne Barnes as referee for Friday’s bronze final between New Zealand and Wales in Tokyo.

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