A FORMER student of a Monmouth sixth form has been selected as the referee for today's Rugby World Cup Final.

Wayne Barnes, a former student at Haberdashers sixth form in Monmouth, was selected to referee the clash between New Zealand and South Africa in France.

Barnes has refereed over 110 rugby tests, with the final being his fifth appearance as a referee at the Rugby World Cup.

On X formally known as Twitter, he said: “It is the greatest honour of my career to be given the responsibility of refereeing in a World Cup final.”

New Zealand and South Africa will both be going for their fourth Rugby World Cup title in Paris on Saturday, October 28.

South Wales Argus: South Africa and New Zealand will face each other for the sixth time in the Rugby World Cup, with both going for a fourth title. Picture: Richard Heathcote, Getty ImagesSouth Africa and New Zealand will face each other for the sixth time in the Rugby World Cup, with both going for a fourth title. Picture: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images (Image: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)South Africa are the current Rugby World Cup holders after beating England 32-12 at the World Cup final in 2019 at the international stadium Yokohama, in Japan.

The Springboks will be looking to hold on to the Webb Ellis Cup and defend their title after beating England in a close encounter in the semi-final 16-15 in Paris last week.

The match at the Stade de France will kick off at 8 pm UK time and 9 pm in France.

In a statement, the school said: “The school takes immense pride in Wayne Barnes’ achievements and is excited to see one of their own taking centre stage in such a spectacular event.

“His journey from the Sixth Form to becoming a distinguished referee and barrister serves as an inspiration to current students.

South Wales Argus: South Africa and New Zealand will face each other for the sixth time in the Rugby World Cup, with both going for a fourth title. Picture: GoogleSouth Africa and New Zealand will face each other for the sixth time in the Rugby World Cup, with both going for a fourth title. Picture: Google (Image: Cameron Spence, Getty Images)“As we eagerly await the final match, we send our best wishes to Wayne as he prepares to officiate this historic game between New Zealand and South Africa.”

The 44-year-old is also set to become the second Englishman to lead a Rugby World Cup final, following in the esteemed footsteps of Ed Morrison, who took the helm in 1995.