English referee Wayne Barnes revealed to the Guardian last year that his career could end following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Over a coffee in Twickenham, Barnes revealed to Guardian journalist Rober Kitson that there were several factors have prompted his decision.
This will be his fourth 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
As it stands that means the RWC 2019 in Japan is earmarked as his refereeing swansong.
