Wayne Barnes confirmed as Rugby World Cup final referee

England's Wayne Barnes has been named as referee for Saturday's World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa in Stade de France.

The 44-year old official - who has served as a referee at five World Cups stretching back to 2007 - was widely touted as the likely candidate for the role in the wake of South Africa's one point win over England in last weekend's semi-final.

Barnes described the appointment as the "greatest honour of my career" after it was confirmed by World Rugby.

It is the greatest honour of my career to be given the responsibility of refereeing a Rugby World Cup final 2023. https://t.co/bZ3O1mezuS

Barnes is the most experienced referee in the history of rugby union, having equalled, and subsequently suprassed, Nigel Owens' record of 100 internatinonal matches in November last year.

In this World Cup, Barnes has refereed a total of five games, the most notable being the quarter-final between Ireland and New Zealand.

Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley have been installed as the assistant refs, with Tom Foley placed on TMO duty.

Meanwhile, Australia's Nic Berry has been named as ref for the bronze medal match between England and Argentina.

Watch New Zealand v South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTE.ie/Sport or the RTÉ News app