Match Officials – Referees for RWC 2023

During mid- to late May, World Rugby will announce the names of the Rugby World Cup referees, referee assistants, and Television Match Officials (TMOs) for France 2023.

Quick Guide : Steps to Watch Rugby World Cup 2023 Free Online

  1. Subscribe ExpressVPN to stream Rugby Matches 
  2. Choose and connect to a secure VPN location in the UK..
  3. Visit ITV.com to start streaming live TV securely on any network
  4. Enjoy Rugby World cup live online!

Stream Rugby Securely with ExpressVPN

Stream Rugby With #1 VPN

If any referees make it beyond the Rugby World Cup group stages to referee any knockout matches in France, they will find out on Tuesday after the last group stage match.

Who refereed the 2019 World Cup final?

There may be a question in your mind about who the referees were at previous Rugby World Cup finals.


Tournament : 8 September to 28 October 2023 
Watch Online Anywhere : Order ExpressVPN (Full Guides To Watch Online)
Live in USA : Fubo TVSling TVHulu TVNBC Sports
Live in UK : BBC iPlayer, ITV
Where to Watch : TF1 (France) Stan Sports (Australia), Raiplay (Italy) & Worldwide TV channels


The whistle for South Africa’s 32-12 win over England was held by Jérôme Garcès (France) at the Yokohama Stadium in 2019. Fabien Galthie‘s backroom team with the French national team will include Garcès at the World Cup in 2023 as well, but in a different capacity.

Referees who have officiated previous Rugby World Cup finals are listed below:

2019: Jérôme Garcès (France)

2015: Nigel Owens (Wales)

2011: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

2007: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

2003: André Watson (South Africa)

1999: André Watson (South Africa)

1995: Ed Morrison (England)

1991: Derek Bevan (Wales)

1987: Kerry Fitzgerald (Australia)

Referees and assistants for all matches must be neutral – they cannot be aligned with either of the competing unions – and the final must follow the same rule.

We will update this page once the panel of match officials is announced for the Rugby World Cup 2023, and we will continue to update the list of referees throughout the tournament.

Leave a Comment