Leading rugby official Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement five days after refereeing the World Cup final.
The Englishman’s last match was one of his most challenging, with Barnes showing the first-ever red card in a men’s World Cup final on Sunday to New Zealand captain Sam Cane during South Africa’s 12-11 victory in Paris.
It was among a number of contentious decisions made by Barnes, who was later reportedly the subject of death threats.
After watching last Saturday night’s final in the Stade de France along with their two children, Polly Barnes posted on Instagram, “What a vile atmosphere at the Stade de France. It’s just a game k—heads”, before adding: “See ya later Rugby World Cup. Won’t miss you, or the death threats.”
The 44-year-old said he would be working to ensure referees receive adequate support amid such pressures but cited family reasons for his decision.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Barnes 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.
Rugby Referee Wayne Barnes. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
“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.
“It’s been an incredible journey.”
Barnes bows out having refereed a record 111 Tests, and he was praised by World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont, who said on www.world.rugby: “Wayne has been a truly fantastic ambassador for rugby, both on and off the pitch.
“What makes him so special is not only his stellar refereeing career, but his wider contribution to the game, making refereeing more accessible to more people.
“He will rightly be remembered as one of the greats – a credit to the game, his nation and his family.”
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
What barrel would that be
FunBus
Roar Rookie
I think going back two phases were the old rules. I’m sure the TMO and Barnes would know the basic remit of the TMO
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
Ok I give up! what's a k---head?
Jake Heke
Roar Rookie
I don't think he personally made any decisions that decided the result. And definitely not 3. The TMO on the other hand was wrong to cancel Aaron Smiths try, the rules clearly state they can only go back 2 phases. But that was the TMO, not Barnes. Ultimately goal kicking was what lost us that final.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
TMO’s have stoppages to use though
scrum
Roar Rookie
Oddly most of the complaints are that the TMO interferes too much. The reality is no matter what protocols are in place there will be complaining. Sadly Rugby is going down the line of the NRL where Ref bashing is a big part of the sport.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I totally admire and respect the Kiwi contributors here . ..But think its naive to think that those threats to Barnes came from anywhere else but NZ ..At least a large part..
Guess
Roar Rookie
But if they're busy reviewing one thing while other things happen then what? They don't pay the same attention to every incident. Even if they have more time than a ref. That's where inconsistency comes from. As you said refs always miss things in real time but it evens out more or less in the end. With tmo it doesn't
Guess
Roar Rookie
It wasn't 50 50. They reverse penalties every time. Nothing prevents them from doing it except their fragile egos
Guess
Roar Rookie
Same Owens who said hands on the ground isn't for supporting body weight?
Guess
Roar Rookie
He said it wasn't abuse it's for personal reasons. Wanted to spend time with family. He's old for international rugby anyway
praetorian
Roar Rookie
France was up against a disgraceful reffing display by Andre Joubert that day in 2011 . Hopefully a TMO will help rule out some of this bias .
Ozymandias
Roar Rookie
Lol, yeah, I think Australian rugby can lose by itself. They definately don't need Barnes to be awful...
FunBus
Roar Rookie
The TMOs don’t make the call on card upgrades either.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Apart from everything else (and I agree with your comments) Barnes got the big decisions right.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Thanks, Phantom. I needed a good laugh today.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Yes, we lack the great literary tradition of Aussies and Kiwis. :happy:
FunBus
Roar Rookie
I’ve read some nonsense in my time, but you take the biscuit.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
No, he didn’t make ‘three major errors.’ That’s just the irrational whining from hysterical AB fans.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
I saw that Cane said “At the time I wasn’t even aware, it caught me off guard that he stepped back.” I assume he meant Kriel. I must say at the time, it did seem Kriel changed direction suddenly and Cane had no time to lower the tackle, all he could have done to avoid risk to the head was not tackle at all. Whereas Kolisi charged at Savea from several yards away and had way more time to lower his tackle further. Which is why it seemed inconsistent or inflexible, even if the decisions were technically in line with how the laws have been interpreted. There was also another incident in the first half where de Groot was whacked in the nose by a Springbok tackling him. It obviously required a review, and possibly a yellow card under current interpretations, but the TMO mysteriously advised nothing to see here. I still haven’t seen a clear explanation of why Frizzell was yellow carded for falling accidentally on someone’s leg. (NB, I’m not a whingeing Kiwi but a disappointed spectator.). But can’t blame Barnes for giving it up after getting abuse.