WORLD Cup rugby official Tom Foley will be the man in the middle when Minehead Barbarians' annual past players match is played on Wednesday, December 27 (2p.m.).

Minehead's director of rugby Richard Parsons said today: "It is an honour for us to have Tom refereeing our game and taking the time out to do so. He has had a tough time of things lately.

"He came down to us for a C/A session before the World Cup and offered to referee our Christmas game."

Foley has decided to step away from Test rugby officiating for the foreseeable future, citing pressure, scrutiny and online abuse he received after the World Cup final in France.

Foley was the television match official for South Africa’s 12-11 win against New Zealand, in which the All Blacks' captain Sam Cane was sent off. The 38‑year‑old referee said last month that death threats had been aimed at him and his family since the World Cup, and he had to warn his children’s school as a result.

Wayne Barnes, who refereed the final in October, announced his retirement last month, referencing the on-line abuse he had experienced, while family members were also targeted.