Nigel Owens has sent a message to Jerome Garces, saying it is a “thoroughly deserved appointment” and that the 46-year-old “has been one of the top referees for many years now.”
This is a classy response from the popular Welsh referee, who actually ruled himself out of the chance of refereeing the final with a calf injury.
Here’s what he said:
Huge congratulations to my friend & colleague Jérôme Garces on his thoroughly deserved appointment to referee the #RWC2019 final. Has been one of the top referees for many years now. Enjoy every minute of it as it’s a very special occasion and moment in ones refereeing career. https://t.co/ENajiPxUXt
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) October 30, 2019