Rugby World Cup Final Referee Wayne Barnes Announces Retirement

Rugby World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement from rugby after a long and successful career that saw him officiate some of the biggest games in World Rugby.

Barnes, who was the most capped international referee of all time said he knew that it was the right time to hang up his whistle.

Taking to social media he wrote: “Over the past 20 years, I have been in the middle of some of the greatest rugby matches in history.

“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.

Thank you Wayne Barnes 🤝 #rugby #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/jC1gpRWPoZ

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 2, 2023

“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,” he said.

Paying tribute to Barnes, who is also a criminal barrister and partner in a major international law firm, Phil Winstanley, the Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby said: “Wayne Barnes bows out at the very top of his game following a stellar career at both club and Test level.

“As the world’s most experienced referee, it was fitting that his last game was a record 111th Test match and a Rugby World Cup final for the ages.

“His legacy in Premiership Rugby is there for all to see. Having taken charge of 272 Premiership Rugby matches, including 10 Premiership Finals, Wayne has set the bar extremely high.

“He is a figurehead for match officials, not only within the Gallagher Premiership and on the international stage, but for all those that follow in his footsteps.

“Premiership Rugby and our clubs are immensely proud of everything that Barnesy has achieved. We all wish him the very best of luck as he heads into the next stage of his career.”

A record international career by the numbers