The 44-year-old follows in the footsteps of fellow Welshman Derek Bevan, who refereed the last World Cup final at Twickenham, between England and Australia in 1991.
“Nigel is at the peak of his powers having led a distinguished career at the forefront of refereeing in the World Game,” said WRU chairman Gareth Davies.
“His refereeing style is recognised and trusted by both players and fans around the globe and Welsh rugby is extremely proud to count him as one of their own.
“He will become one of just seven men to have refereed a Rugby World Cup Final and it is a great credit to the everyone who works in the refereeing department at the WRU that he is the second Welshman to join that elite list.”
Owens was one of two Welshmen officiating at the World Cup with Leighton Hodges running the line as a referee’s assistant for three of the games Owens was in charge of leading up to this weekend’s final where the All Blacks will be looking to defend their title.
Congratulations @Nigelrefowens on your appointment to referee #RWC2015 final. Well deserved! ???
— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) October 26, 2015
Owens said: “This is a huge honour and a privilege for me. I am humbled to have been chosen to referee the Rugby World Cup final. This is my third World Cup and I think it has been the best. It has been inspirational. The quality of rugby on display has been incredible in front of packed venues and so to be given the opportunity to referee the final match between the best two teams in the tournament is an amazing honour.
“I would like to thank World Rugby and the Welsh Rugby Union for their support over many years. There have been so many individual people throughout my career who have helped and supported me along the way and while I can’t name everyone here, I will be thanking everyone personally in due course.
“I want to thank my friends and family for their ongoing support and for helping me through some rough times in my life.
“My dad, in particular, is always there for me and is delighted with this news – it’s just a shame my mother is not here to see this as she was a pillar of strength for me. She passed away six years ago and I know she would have been very proud.”
