Ben Connor’s fine performances with the whistle have earned him the accolade of refereeing the third place play-off in the World Rugby Junior World Championship between New Zealand and England at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi on Saturday.
Connor will have a familiar voice in his ear as countryman Aled Griffiths will be the Television Match Official for the encounter.
It will be a change for venue for Connor as all the previous games in the tournament have either been played at Avchala or Kutaisi.
“This is now the second year in succession that Welsh officials have made a big impact in the Junior World Cup,” said a delighted Ian Davies, the WRU elite performance match official manager.
“Last season saw Ben Breakspear referee the final between New Zealand and South Africa in his second JWC. Whilst Ben Connor may not have been handed the showpiece event between France and South Africa, he can be delighted with both the impression he has made and his performances in the three games he has officiated at the tournament.
“Ben will be assisted by Aled Griffiths who was TMO for Breakspear at last year’s event in Italy. This year however the TMO’s have been located in a bunker in Basingstoke as opposed to be positioned in the grounds in Tbilisi.
“Griffiths has once again impressed not only with his decision making but also his calm and controlled demeanour.
“On a personal level I am acutely aware that Nigel Owens aside, Wales has not had a referee at a Rugby World Cup since 2003. Both Breakspear and Connor are now well placed to end that drought in 2031, with a relatively strong depth chart sitting behind which bodes well for officiating in Wales in the years to come.”