HE’LL be the only Englishman on the pitch on Saturday’s World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia.

But Wayne Barnes, from Bream, would much rather be watching his country compete for the Webb Ellis Cup from the stands of Twickenham than be a part of the tournament’s conclusion.

Barnes has been selected to assist acclaimed referee Nigel Owens as a touch judge for the final, after refereeing the semi-final between Australia and Argentina.

Speaking before the tournament, Barnes said; “I’m absolutely chuffed to be involved in a World Cup on home soil.

“I’m hoping to be in the stands cheering on England in Twickenham on the 31st October!”

Barnes actually refereed a Rugby Championship meeting between the two finalists this summer, a game which finished 27-19 to home side and eventual winners Australia, and was also a touch judge for a pre-tournament match in Auckland that went New Zealand’s way by 41-13.