Rugby World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes announces retirement

44-year-old Barnes was the man in the middle for Ireland's RWC pool game against Tonga, as well as their quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual finalists New Zealand.

END OF AN ERA: Referee Wayne Barnes walks past the Webb Ellis Cup following the Rugby World Cup 2023 final. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire.

English rugby referee Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement from the game.

Barnes - who refereed last weekend's Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa - hangs up his boots after officiating in excess of 100 test matches.

Barnes, 44, was the man in the middle for Ireland's RWC pool game against Tonga, as well as their quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual finalists New Zealand.

The well-renowned official - whose career spanned five World Cups and 17 Six Nations campaigns - cited family reasons for his decision to bow out.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Barnes said: “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.

“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.”

Barnes 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.”