Guinness PRO14 stalwart Nigel Owens is all set to take the whistle in his fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup after he was named as one of the twelve referees who will oversee the Japan tournament this summer. The Welshman, who recently celebrated his 175th Guinness PRO14 game when Ospreys took on the Dragons in March, was selected by World Rugby’s match official selection committee as he looks to build on his 13 World Cup games – including officiating the final in 2015. Also named among the squad of 23 total officials is Andrew Brace, who has refereed in the Guinness PRO14 since 2015, named as one of the seven assistants for the tournament in what will be his maiden World Cup. World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont hailed the announcement, citing the importance of top-quality officiating at international rugby’s premier competition. “Just like for the players and coaches, Rugby World Cup represents the pinnacle of a match official’s career and I would like to congratulate the team of 12 referees, seven assistant referees and four TMOs who have achieved selection today through their hard work, commitment and dedication to excellence,” he said. You've met the 20 teams who make up the pools at #RWC2019, now meet #Team21 - the match officials who will oversee all 48 fixtures in Japan. pic.twitter.com/aAelhiO5oN— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) May 7, 2019 “Put simply, without the match officials there would be no rugby and I am proud of the leading position that our sport enjoys in terms of the mutual respect and values displayed between match officials, players and all those involved in the game.” The 23 officials selected for the World Cup have a cumulative total of 804 Tests under their belt as either referees, assistants or TMOs. And World Rugby’s match official selection committee chairman Anthony Buchanan believes that it will be the best of the best taking charge in Japan. “This selection was made on merit, on form and after a comprehensive process,” he said. “With so much strength in depth, the panel was left with some tough decisions to be made across all areas. “Since Rugby World Cup 2015, we have been focused on developing a strong team ethic among the group of match officials while bringing through the next generation of test officials with regular meetings and workshops to share best practice and experiences. “The group selected for Rugby World Cup 2019 contains a strong mix of experience and proven young talent and we have every confidence that they will be well prepared and ready to perform at the highest possible level at Japan 2019.”
