#3. Wayne Barnes (England)
Wayne Barnes is undoubtedly one of the leading international referees in World Rugby today. He has refereed matches in the World Cup, Six Nations the Rugby Championship and Pacific Nations Cup.
On the 5th of November 2022, Wayne Barnes refereed a match between Wales and New Zealand at the Autumn Nation Series, his 100th international match as a referee, equalling the record previously set by Nigel Owens.
Born on the 20th of April 1979 in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, Wayne started playing rugby at the age of 8, taking up refereeing just seven years later.
Since then, Wayne has become a regular referee in the English Premiership and has also been centre stage at the Heineken Cup and the European Cup challenge.
Internationally, Wayne continues to break records and inspire many others in refereeing.
