Boks v France: Referee named to handle World Cup quarter-final

New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe has been named to take charge of the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final against hosts France in Paris on Sunday (9pm).

O’Keeffe was also the man in charge for the Boks’ pool B match against Ireland a few weeks ago. Ireland beat the Bok 13-8 in a tight game.

South Africa’s Jaco Peyper will handle the first quarter-final on Friday between Wales and Argentina while Wayne Barnes will take charge of the Ireland versus New Zealand game.

In the third quarter-final, on Sunday, between England and Fiji, France’s Mathieu Raynal will be in charge.

Experienced whitleman

O’Keeffe is officiating in his second World Cup, having taken charge of three games in the 2019 tournament. He started refereeing at the age of 19, turning professional five years later.

The 34-year-old has won the New Zealand referee of the year award three times, and also refereed the second British and Irish Lions Test against South Africa in 2021, a 27-9 win to the Springboks.

O’Keeffe is not only a rugby referee but is also a qualified ophthalmologist, a doctor who cares for patients with eye conditions.

He told WalesOnline: “Certainly, no one can question my eyesight. I’m an Ophthalmologist. I’ve been lucky enough to balance both careers over the last couple of years as being a professional referee has become a full-time commitment.”