England’s Wayne Barnes is set to make history when he takes charge of his 100th and 101st tests during the November international window.

Barnes, who made his debut in Fiji in June 2006, will become only the second referee to reach a century of tests behind friend Nigel Owens when he takes charge of Wales v New Zealand at the Principality Stadium on 5 November.

The Englishman will then set an outright record of 101 tests when he referees the match between Six Nations Grand Slam winners France and world champions South Africa in Paris a week later, on 12 November. 

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont led the tributes to Barnes: “Congratulations to Wayne on his selection and pending record. To be so good for so long as a referee is no easy feat. Wayne Barnes, like Nigel Owens before him, reaches 100 tests by being not just a fantastic referee, but a great team player, a student of the game and someone who is greatly respected by players, coaches and fans alike.” 

In total, 23 match officials representing 10 nations will take charge of the 37 November tests announced so far.  

Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) takes charge of the first test of the window – Japan v New Zealand on 29 October – and Angus Gardner (Australia) the last with England v South Africa on 26 November.

Jaco Peyper (South Africa) will referee two matches in November, bringing up 60 tests with Ireland v Fiji on 12 November.

Luke Pearce takes charge of Scotland v Australia on 29 October, his 40th test as a referee. 

Six different referees will officiate matches in the Final Qualification Tournament.

Tual Trainini (France) will referee the opening match – USA v Kenya – on 6 November) and Paul Williams (New Zealand) will take charge of the final one, USA v Portugal on 18 November.

Christophe Ridley (England) will referee his first test involving a Six Nations team with Italy v Samoa on 5 November.

Andrea Piardi (Italy) also referees a Six Nations team for the first time with his appointment for Wales v Georgia on 19 November.