Referees announced for World Cup semi-finals

David Skippers

World Rugby has announced the match officials for the Rugby World Cup 2019 semi-finals following a full review of performances over the quarter-finals.

Nigel Owens (Wales) will take charge of England versus New Zealand on Saturday with Romain Poite and Pascal Gaüzère (both France) as assistant referees and Marius Jonker (South Africa) as TMO at International Stadium in Yokohama.

Jérôme Garcès (France) will referee Wales versus South Africa on Sunday with Wayne Barnes (England) and Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) as assistant referees and Ben Skeen (New Zealand) as TMO at the same venue.

The selection is based on merit after a review of performances by World Rugby’s match officials selection committee.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “I would like to congratulate Nigel and Jérôme, the assistant referees and TMOs on their selection for the semi-finals.

“These are the best of the best, supported by a superb team, and we now look forward to compelling semi-finals at International Stadium Yokohama over the weekend.”

Meanwhile, World Rugby can confirm that the match officials selection committee did not consider Jaco Peyper for selection this weekend.

Peyper recognises that a picture of him with Wales fans, which appeared on social media after the Wales versus France quarter-final, was inappropriate and he has apologised.

Match officials for Rugby World Cup semi-finals

England v New Zealand
Referee: Nigel Owens
Assistant Referees: Romain Poite (France), Pascal Gaüzère (France)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Wales v South Africa
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

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