Rugby World Cup 2015: Nigel Owens Takes To Twitter After Appointment To Referee Final

The man chosen to referee the Rugby World Cup final took to Twitter on Monday, after it was announced he would adjudicate the match between sporting titans New Zealand and Australia.

Nigel Owens, who is rugby's only openly gay referee, sent a message to fans and followers in anticipation of the anticipated game, saying he was “humbled and honoured” to have been selected.

Truly humbled and honoured to be given the privilege of refereeing #RWC2015 final. Thanks for all your kind messages and tweets. Means a lot

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) October 26, 2015

The 44-year-old Welshman also re-tweeted and thanked his home country's captain Sam Warbuton, who congratulated the official on a "well-deserved appointment".

@samwarburton_ thanks Sam.

— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) October 26, 2015

He received hundreds of other messages of support from doting fans, some commenting he was the "best man for the job", others that it was "thoroughly deserved" after "years of hard work and dedication".

Owens will take charge of Saturday's match, where the All Blacks will face their bitter rivals in the global showpiece.

The pair secured their place in the final over the weekend, New Zealand fended off tough competition from South Africa, while Australia secured a healthy win over Argentina.

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