He was named on the refereeing panel for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and took charge of four matches during the pool stage of the competition. He also officiated the Quarter Final match between Ireland and Wales, the semi-final between Australia and New Zealand and the final between New Zealand and France, in the process becoming the youngest referee ever to officiate a final. Joubert was publicly criticised by French players Dimitri Yachvili, Dimitri Szarzewski and Maxime Mermoz for his performance in the final. Gerry Thornley, writing in "The Irish Times", was of the opinion that France was the better team on the night, with Joubert being reluctant to award penalties against New Zealand in the last quarter of the match. "Sir Clive Woodward" was of the same opinion