Referee Wayne Barnes had intended to hang up his whistle following the 2019 Rugby World Cup - but was convinced to keep going by fellow referee's.
However, following the recent retirements of his good friends Nigel Owens and Romain Poite, RUCK sources suggest Barnes will finally quit in 2023.
Next year, selection permitting, will be his fifth Rugby World Cup; he has a growing young family and his wife, Polly, has just had a work promotion.
He also wants to give more time to his “other” job, as a barrister specialising in bribery and corruption at a London chambers.
DID YOU KNOW? In January 2022, Barnes refereed his 250th premiership rugby match
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The day jobs of the best rugby referees:
Behind the glitz and glamour of the Six Nations, many world-class referees have had to work around the clock to fulfill their rugby dream.
#1. Ben O'Keeffe
- Age: 33
- Nationality: New Zealand
- Occupation: Eye Doctor
- Six Nations games: Scotland v England
One of New Zealand's six full-time referees, O'Keeffe is also a qualified doctor specialising in ophthalmology, which deals with eye health and disease.
#2. Wayne Barnes
- Age: 42
- Nationality: English
- Occupation: Barrister
The 41-year-old is an English international rugby union referee and barrister. It was law he studied at university and a career as a barrister he pursued after graduating, but as he started to progress up the ranks as a referee the RFU offered to employ him in 2005. He’s now refereed more Premiership games than any other official.
#3. Jaco Peyper
- Age: 41
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Lawyer
The 38-year-old still operates as an attorney for his family business, Peyper Attorneys while continuing to be one of the worlds best referees.
#4. Andrew Brace
- Age: 33
- Nationality: Irish/Welsh
- Occupation: Musician
He is a grade eight violinist. His violin teacher was the mother of TV presenter Gethin Jones.
#5. Nigel Owens
- Age: 50
- Nationality: Welsh
- Occupation: Farmer
The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field. Over the years, Owens has been able to save up to buy his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they've built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.
