Craig Joubert. Photo: Reuters

Craig Joubert has announced he will retire from international rugby refereeing.

The 39-year-old is set to become the referee talent development coach for World Rugby, identifying and honing young refereeing talent for 15s and sevens.

The South African refereed his first test in 2003, going on to control 69 matches at the highest level.

In 2011, aged 34, he became the youngest person to referee a World Cup final, when the All Blacks beat France at Eden Park.

That game attracted its share of controversy from overseas, with Joubert accused of favouring the All Blacks in the second half. It was not his only controversial moment, as he ran off the field after the Australia v Scotland quarterfinal at the 2015 World Cup. He had awarded Australia a last-minute penalty to see the Wallabies through to the semifinal, which World Rugby later said was a mistake.

However, throughout his career Joubert received much praise for his handling of games and was widely recognised as one of the best in the world.