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South African Craig Joubert to referee Rugby World Cup final

Rugby World Cup final referee named
© PA Photos
South Africa's Craig Joubert referees the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France next Sunday.

South African Craig Joubert will referee the Rugby World Cup final between hosts New Zealand and France, the IRB have announced.

Joubert was in charge of Sunday's semi-final between the All Blacks and Australia.

It will be the first time the 34-year-old has officiated a World Cup final.

"It is an enormous honour to get the final and I would like to thank Paddy (O'Brien, IRB referees chief) and the committee for giving me the opportunity," Joubert said in an IRB statement. "I am now really looking forward to getting out there and enjoying the occasion."

Alain Rolland, the official who controversially sent off Wales captain Sam Warburton in the other semi, has been named as one of the touch judges for the final as well as being the reserve referee.

The final takes place at Auckland's Eden Park next Sunday.

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