Irish woman Joy Neville will make history this year when she becomes the first female to referee at a men's World Cup.
The Limerick native is one of seven referees to be selected as television match officials for this year's tournament.
Neville is one of the most high-profile female referees in the world and took charge of the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup final between England and New Zealand in Belfast
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Wayne Barnes, meanwhile, will lead a four-strong contingent of English officials among the 12 referees selected.
Barnes has controlled a world-best 102 Tests and will officiate in a fifth successive World Cup, having made his tournament bow during the 2007 staging.
He is joined by Luke Pearce, Matthew Carley and Karl Dickson, with Carley and Dickson making their World Cup refereeing debuts.
The group of referees announced by World Rugby also includes Irishman Andrew Brace and Nika Amashukeli, who becomes the first Georgian to officiate at a World Cup, with England’s Christophe Ridley and Welshman Craig Evans chosen among seven assistant referees.
“The journey to Rugby World Cup 2023 is not an easy one for match officials,” World Rugby high performance 15s match official manager Joel Jutge said.
“There are fewer roles with as much public scrutiny, but I am proud of how the team has responded to the ups and downs, always being open and acting with integrity.
“Selection is one milestone, and we have a lot of work to do before the start of the tournament with warm-up matches and the Rugby Championship.
“But this team has a great work ethic, an unwavering spirit and a great bond, and we will all benefit from increased time together as we prepare for what will be a very special Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.”
The tournament kicks off on September 8 when France host New Zealand in Paris.
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