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.