Barnes becomes RFU Board member
Wayne Barnes OBE has joined the RFU Board.
He replaces Phil de Glanville, as the RFU Senior Men’s Professional Rugby Board Representative. His appointment begins immediately and is for a three-year term, until 31 July 2027.
Wayne retired from refereeing in 2023, three decades after he first took up the whistle. He officiated a world record 111 Test matches, including at five Rugby World Cups, 26 Six Nations matches and 273 English Premiership games. His retirement came after refereeing the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France.
Throughout his refereeing career, Wayne continued to work as a barrister and is currently a partner at the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs. He was instrumental in the establishment of the International Rugby Match Officials’ Association and since his retirement has continued to advocate for match officials globally. After an incredible refereeing journey, he has inspired future generations of referees.
Tom Ilube, RFU Chair said: “We are really pleased to have someone with Wayne’s extensive knowledge of the professional game join us on the RFU Board and to have for the first time the voice of professional match officials involved directly in the governance of the game at the highest levels. His knowledge of rugby union, plus his legal background, will be of huge value to the Board. We are equally pleased to be able to keep Wayne involved with the RFU following his retirement from match officiating after last year’s Rugby World Cup.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Phil de Glanville for everything he has contributed over many years as a member of the Board.”
Barnes added: “I’m delighted to be able to put my knowledge and learnings from a long career in rugby - having refereed my first English Premiership match in 2003 – and my 20 year legal career to use on the RFU Board as its Senior Professional Game Board Representative. I have always been proud to represent match officials and applaud the RFU for widening the perspective of the Board by appointing an ex-professional referee. In my new role, I will ensure I represent the whole game with the same passion and integrity as I have done throughout my refereeing career.”
