Owens to referee World Cup final

WELSHMAN Nigel Owens will referee Saturday’s World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham, World Rugby announced yesterday.

It will be the first final for the 44-yearold veteran of 67 Tests, who will be assisted by France’s Jerome Garces and England’s Wayne Barnes, the referees from last weekend’s semifinals.

Owens was one of the first top figures in the world of rugby to announce he is gay in 2007.

“This is a huge honour and a privilege for me. I am humbled to have been chosen to referee the Rugby World Cup final,” said Owens.

“This is my third World Cup and I think it has been the best.

“It has been inspirational. The quality of rugby on display has been incredible in front of packed venues and so to be given the opportunity to referee the final match between the best two teams in the tournament is an amazing honour.”

Owens is the second Welshman to referee the World Cup final after Derek Bevan, who controlled the 1991 final that saw Australia beat hosts England.

Owens said he was delighted that his father would see his son had achieved the greatest accolade a rugby referee could receive.

He said being named for Saturday’s final was extra special because of difficult moments he had experienced.

“My dad, in particular, is always there for me and is delighted with this news – it’s just a shame my mother is not here to see this as she was a pillar of strength for me.

“She passed away six years ago and I know she would have been very proud.”

Irishman John Lacey has been appointed the referee of Friday’s third-place match between two-time world champions South Africa and Argentina.

He will be assisted by Kiwi duo Glen Jackson and Chris Pollock. – AFP