The selections were made after a comprehensive review of refereeing performances by the World Rugby match official selection committee headed by chairman John Jeffrey and including New Zealander Lyndon Bray, who is in charge of Sanzar refereeing.

"Since Rugby World Cup 2011, we have been focused on developing a strong panel that can preside over the 48 matches at this year's tournament. The fact that seven of the referee panel were involved in the 2011 tournament points to the big-match experience that they hold," Jeffrey said.

RUGBY WORLD CUP MATCH OFFICIALS

Referees:

Wayne Barnes (England, 57 tests),

George Clancy (Ireland, 38),

JP Doyle (England, 12),

Jérôme Garcès (France, 22),

Pascal Gauzere (France, 17),

Glen Jackson (NZ, 10),

Craig Joubert (South Africa, 55),

John Lacey (Ireland, 13),

Nigel Owens (Wales, 60),

Jaco Peyper (South Africa, 20),

Romain Poite (France, 39) 

Chris Pollock (NZ, 18).

Assistant referees:

Federico Anselmi (Argentina, 5),

Stuart Berry (South Africa, 15),

Mike Fraser (NZ, 10),

Angus Gardner (Australia, two),

Leighton Hodges (Wales, 19),

Marius Mitrea (Italy, 13),

Mathieu Raynal (France, nine).

Television match officials:

George Ayoub (Australia, 33),

Graham Hughes (England, 60)

Ben Skeen (NZ, 11),

Shaun Veldsman (South Africa, 50).