NIGEL OWENS WILL take charge of Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 final between Connacht and Leinster at Murrayfield.

The Welshman, widely regarded as the best referee in the world, has previously officiated three Pro12 finals and will be the man in the middle for the 2016 edition.

It will complete a remarkable season for the 44-year-old after he refereed last year’s World Cup final as well as the recent Champions Cup showpiece between Racing 92 and Saracens.

Next month he will make history by taking charge of a record 71st Test match when he officiates the June encounter between Fiji and Tonga.

“I’ve got another huge game to look forward to at BT Murrayfield,” he said.

“It will be my fourth Pro12 final and the standard simply rises every year. In recent years the Pro12 finals have been of a similar intensity to international matches and Saturday promises to be a on a par with any other in Europe this season.”

Owens will be joined by an all-Welsh team on Saturday with Ian Davies and Ben Whitehouse running the lines and Jon Mason in the TMO booth.

Kick-off at Murrayfield is at 5.30pm.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Wexford football captain Murphy and Niamh Briggs named in development squad for Ireland 7s

Horwill makes surprise return as Wallabies name 10 debutants