Spreadbury refereed France v Argentina in the World Cup (Getty)

Top international referee Tony Spreadbury will take charge of the opening match of the Newquay Surf Sevens rugby tournament next month.

Spreadbury, who officiated the opening game of last year's World Cup, will referee the opening match.

The game, on Friday, 18 July, sees a Classic British Lions XV take on a specially-selected Newquay Hornets XV.

Players including Tim Stimpson, Ben Clarke, and current England star Luke Narraway will play in the match.

"We are thrilled to bits that Tony will be refereeing this prestigious game for us," said tournament spokesman Graham Hooper.

"We will have some cracking players on show in the game, and to get a referee of Tony's ability, personality and reputation will add hugely to the whole event."

The match is the curtain-raiser for the sevens tournament which takes place over the 19-20 July at the Newquay Sports Centre.