Nigel Owens will blow his whistle and get Rugby World Cup on the way as hosts Japan meet Russia in Tokyo and all the world watches.
Find out who takes charge of the other matches on the opening weekend as the tournament kicks off…
Rugby World Cup referee’s
20 September 2019
Japan vs Russia at Tokyo Stadium
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Matthew Carley (England)
Television match official: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
21 September 2019
Australia vs Fiji at Sapporo Dome
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Television match official: Rowan Kitt (England)
France vs Argentina at Tokyo Stadium
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Television match official: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
New Zealand vs South Africa at International Stadium, Yokohama
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Karl Dickson (England)
Television match official: Graham Hughes (England)