Rugby World Cup 2019: a guide to the referees

From a corruption lawyer to a former detective, we run the rule over the 12 men tasked with keeping law and order in JapanThe oldest referee in the tournament and the most experienced – he has controlled more Tests than any other official – he takes charge of the opening match between Japan and Russia, one of four group games that end with England v Argentina. It is his fourth World Cup and he took charge of the 2015 final. Has a penchant for one-liners, though with few players likely to be fluent in English on the opening night, they will have to be for the camera. Related: Rugby World Cup 20…