Wayne Barnes of England has been appointed referee for the Rugby World Cup final in Paris on Saturday ©Getty Images

World Rugby have selected England’s Wayne Barnes as the referee for the World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday (October 28).

It is set to be the 111th occasion that Barnes has refereed an international and a record 27th World Cup match.

He will be joined by compatriots Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley as his assistant referees with Tom Foley named as the television match official (TMO).

"I would like to congratulate Wayne Barnes on his deserved appointment," World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said.

"Such an appointment is a reflection of Wayne’s calibre, not just at this tournament but over a distinguished career,"

Wayne Barnes has already officiated at six matches in the 2023 World Cup, including New Zealand's quarter final victory over Ireland ©Getty Images
Wayne Barnes has already officiated at six matches in the 2023 World Cup, including New Zealand's quarter final victory over Ireland ©Getty Images

The 44-year-old Barnes, a criminal barrister by profession, was chosen from the 26 officials at the tournament.

It will be his sixth match of the competition, his most recent was the quarter-final when New Zealand beat Ireland.

Barnes took up referring as a teenager in Gloucester.

Barnes has officiated at every Rugby World Cup since 2007 and was chosen an assistant referee to Nigel Owens for the 2015 final, when New Zealand last lifted the trophy defeating Australia at Twickenham in London.

Barnes' autobiography, Throwing the Book, is due to be released by Hachette on November 9.

"Wayne’s ability to read and understand the game is second to none," World Rugby high performance 15s match official Joël Jutge said.

"He also embodies the passion, professionalism and dedication that is at the heart of a superb team of match officials at this Rugby World Cup,"

Wayne Barnes is the first Englishman appointed to referee the Rugby World Cup final since Ed Morrison was in charge, also for South Africa against New Zealand, at Johannesburg in 1995 ©Getty Images
Wayne Barnes is the first Englishman appointed to referee the Rugby World Cup final since Ed Morrison was in charge, also for South Africa against New Zealand, at Johannesburg in 1995 ©Getty Images

Barnes is set to become the first Englishman to referee a final since Ed Morrison in 1995 in Johannesburg, when the final was also contested by South Africa and New Zealand and a dramatic drop goal from Joel Stransky gave South Africa victory before Nelson Mandela presented the trophy.

Australia’s Nic Berry has been selected to referee the bronze final between Argentina and England on Friday (October 27).

He will assisted by Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli and Ireland’s Andrew Brace with Ben Whitehouse of Wales as TMO.