World Rugby has announced a team of 23 officials for this year's World Cup in Japan.
Andrew Brace is the only IRFU representative in the group. The 30-year-old, who was born in Wales and represented Belgium at international level, has been named as an assistant referee.
Both Wayne Barnes and Nigel Owens will officiate at their fourth World Cup. There will also be debuts for Luke Pearce, Mathieu Raynal, Ben O’Keeffe, Nic Berry and Angus Gardner. Between them, the 12 referees have officiated over 457 tests.
Officials were selected following a review of performances and fitness.
Referees (12): Wayne Barnes (England), Luke Pearce (England), Jérôme Garcès (France), Romain Poite (France), Pascal Gaüzère (France), Mathieu Raynal (France), Nigel Owens (Wales), Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Paul Williams (New Zealand), Nic Berry (Australia) and Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees (seven): Matthew Carley (England, reserve referee), Karl Dickson (England), Andrew Brace (Ireland), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Federico Anselmi (Argentina), Shuhei Kubo (Japan) and Alex Ruiz (France)
TMOs (four): Graham Hughes (England), Rowan Kitt (England), Ben Skeen (New Zealand) and Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
