Wayne Barnes announces retirement
Barnes hangs up his whistle as the most experienced international referee in rugby union history, having overseen 111 Tests.
One of the world’s leading international sports officials with a career spanning 17 years, Wayne was named World Rugby Referee of the Year in 2019.
He became an international centurion, refereeing his 100th test match in 2022 and a week later broke the World Record for the most internationals ever refereed. He has overseen 273 English Premiership games, officiated in 17 Six Nations tournaments and taken charge of 10 Premiership Finals.
Wayne has presided over 27 Rugby World Cup matches, more than anyone else in history at an unrivalled five tournaments. Fittingly, his last match in charge was the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.
Aside from his refereeing career, Wayne is a barrister at Patton Squire Boggs, public speaker, rugby pundit & media analyst.
AN "INCREDIBLE JOURNEY"
“Over the past 20 years, I have been in the middle of some of the greatest rugby matches in history," said Barnes. "I have seen some of the world’s best players and worked with some of the finest coaches the game has ever produced. Last Saturday, I was privileged to referee the Rugby World Cup final between two of the most iconic teams in sport: the All Blacks and the Springboks. People often say you will know when it is the right time to retire, and this is clearly the right time for me and for my family.
"My children have missed out on time with their dad for far too long and I am now looking forward to family weekends, sports matches, school assemblies and birthday parties.
"My wife, Polly, has sacrificed more than anyone so that I have been able to achieve some of my personal goals. While I have been away most weekends and for decent chunks of the year, she has had to juggle being an amazing mum with two active children, along with holding down a hugely successful career of her own.
"I will continue to advocate for referees and work closely with the International Rugby Match Officials’ association to ensure match officials across the globe not only have a collective voice but also the appropriate support network for them and their families, particularly as online abuse and threats have become far too regular for all of those involved in the game.
"I am extremely proud that my career has spanned five Rugby World Cups, 26 Six Nations matches, three European Champions Cup finals and 10 Premiership Finals, and I’m grateful for all of those who have helped me along the way, in particular, Chris White, Tony Spreadbury, Brian Campsall, Nigel Yates and Phil Keith-Roach.
"It's been an incredible journey.”
BILL SWEENEY, RFU CEO
“On behalf of everyone at the RFU, I would like to thank Wayne for his incredible contribution to the organisation and to professional refereeing over the past two decades. Wayne has consistently set standards, broken records and is the number one referee in the world.
“Having made history refereeing the World Cup final alongside an all-England officiating team it is a fitting end to his international refereeing career. Players, coaches, and everyone involved in the game will miss his clarity, accuracy, and dedication along with his great sense of humour and passion for the game both on and off the pitch”.
“We know that Wayne will inspire future generations of match officials without whom, we would not enjoy or uphold rugby values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment discipline and sportsmanship.”
