A team of 18 referees/assistant referees and seven TMOs will take charge of the Six Nations matches, with France’s Pascal Gauzere refereeing the opener between Wales and Scotland at the Principality Stadium on 3 February.
In what is another important preparation stage on the road to Rugby World Cup 2019, the team of referees and assistant referees features a blend of experience and emerging talent following impressive performances during the November window.
Owens will be heading for Paris in the opening round where France host Ireland at Stade de France. His other game will see him in charge in Edinburgh in round three where England travel to face Scotland at BT Murrayfield.
World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee Chairman Anthony Buchanan said: “Our mission is to reach Rugby World Cup 2019 with the best-possible team of in-form, in-peak physical condition match officials with a proven record of making clear, consistent and accurate decisions in the biggest international fixtures and competitions, including the 6 Nations.”
“This selection is a reflection of form following a busy November window which gave us the opportunity to test the next generation of international match officials alongside the experienced campaigners. Overall, the selectors were pleased with progress against our objectives as we continue to build towards Japan 2019.”
