Referees named for Ireland's World Cup pool matches

The referees have been selected for Ireland's Rugby World Cup pool games with New Zealander Ben O'Keefe taking charge of the pivotal game against reigning champions South Africa on 23 September.

Andy Farrell's side begin their World Cup tilt against Romania in Bordeaux on 9 September, with Georgian official Nika Amashukeli handed the whistle.

Vastly experienced English official Wayne Barnes - who has perhaps officiated more Ireland internationals than any other referee - will preside over the second pool game against Tonga in Nantes on 16 September.

For the crunch games in Pool B, Ben O'Keefe will be the ref for Ireland's game against top seeds South Africa in the Stade de France on 23 September.

While the final pool game against Scotland - also in St Denis - on 7 October will be overseen by Australia's Nic Berry.

The Welsh-born Andrew Brace will be the Irish referee at the tournament, taking charge of Italy-Namibia in St Etienne on 9 September. Former Irish international Joy Neville will become the first female official at a men's Rugby World Cup, serving as TMO for five matches, beginning with that Italy-Namibia game.

The Irish contingent is completed by assistant referee Chris Busby and TMO Brian MacNiece, the latter beginning his World Cup with Australia-Georgia on 9 September. One Irish official has previously refereed a World Cup final, with Alain Rolland presiding over the 2007 decider between South Africa and England.

South Africa's Jaco Peyper will referee the opening match of the tournament, the highly anticipated meeting of France and New Zealand on 8 September.

Referees

Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Wayne Barnes (England), Nic Berry (Australia), Andrew Brace (Ireland), Matthew Carley (England), Karl Dickson (England),