Nigel Owens will become the first referee to take charge of 100 Tests after being appointed to oversee France’s Autumn Nations Cup clash with Italy on Saturday, November 28.
The match will be the 49-year-old Welshman’s second game of the newly-created tournament that replaced the traditional end of year tours which were scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic.
His first outing was England’s 40-0 win over Georgia on November 14, 17 years after he refereed his first Test.
World Rugby chairperson Bill Beaumont said: “On behalf of everyone at World Rugby, I’d like to say a big congratulations to Nigel Owens on selection for his 100th Test.
“It’s a remarkable achievement and testament to his passion for refereeing, his character, unwavering dedication to the highest possible performance and fitness standards and his adaptability over an impressive career.”
Owens has suggested his 100th Test could well be his final one as he looks to hang up his whistle after the season.
Should he do so, his record for Tests officiated may not stand the test of time, with 41-year-old Englishman Wayne Barnes having taken charge of 92 Tests to date.
