Wayne Barnes didn't hesitate naming the best rugby captain he ever refereed

Monday, 31 March 2025 at 09:52

byRugby Rucker

Get ready for a surprising revelation from renowned rugby referee Wayne Barnes, as he unveils his list of the top three captains he has officiated.

During a 2021 Q&A with Teddington Nub News, the famous whistleblower name checked three of the best skippers he'd refereed in his career up until that point.

#3. John Smit (South Africa)

A rugby legend hailing from South Africa, John Smit is renowned for his towering presence on the field and exceptional leadership skills. Born on April 3, 1978, Smit's illustrious career as a hooker saw him captaining the Springboks to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

With 111 caps for his country, he's revered for his strength, agility, and strategic acumen. Beyond rugby, Smit is a respected figure in sports administration, having served as CEO of the Sharks rugby team and played a pivotal role in the development of rugby in South Africa.

#2. Sam Warburton (Wales)

Born on October 5, 1988, in Wales, Sam Warburton is a rugby union icon celebrated for his dynamic playing style and unwavering dedication to the game.

As a flanker and former captain of the Welsh national team, Warburton's career highlights include leading Wales to Grand Slam victories in the Six Nations Championship and captaining the British & Irish Lions on two historic tours.

His agility, tenacity, and leadership prowess have earned him widespread admiration both on and off the field, solidifying his status as one of the sport's most influential figures.

#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Hailing from New Zealand, Richie McCaw is synonymous with excellence in rugby union. Born on December 31, 1980, McCaw's remarkable career as a flanker saw him achieve unparalleled success with the All Blacks. Renowned for his ferocious tackling, strategic brilliance, and unmatched work rate, McCaw captained New Zealand to victory in the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greatest leaders.

Off the field, McCaw's humility and integrity have endeared him to fans worldwide, making him not just a rugby icon, but a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Wayne Barnes said: "I've been on the field with some of the great captains, John Smit, Sam Warburton and Richie McCaw.

"Richie had the knack of asking the right question at the right time. Contrary to popular belief, he didn't talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point."

28 England players on Andy Farrell's 75-man Lions watchlist

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a
75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there’s no shortage of talent vying for a spot.

Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge

Ireland’s Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales’ Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.

Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Nicky Smith (Wales)
Ellis Genge (England)
Bevan Rodd (England)
Fin Baxter (England)

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Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position

Ireland’s Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England’s Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales’ leading option.

Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
Jamie George (England)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
Dewi Lake (Wales)

Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent

Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England’s trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland’s Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
Will Stuart (England)
Joe Heyes (England)
Kyle Sinckler (England)
Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites

Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland’s Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales’ strongest option.

Maro Itoje (England)
George Martin (England)
Ollie Chessum (England)
Courtney Lawes (England)
David Ribbans (England)
James Ryan (Ireland)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
Iain Henderson (Ireland)
Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Scott Cummings (Scotland)
Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine

Ireland’s Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England’s back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland’s Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales’ Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.

Tom Curry (England)
Ben Curry (England)
Ben Earl (England)
Sam Underhill (England)
Henry Pollock (England)
Jack Willis (England)
Tom Willis (England)
Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
Jack Conan (Ireland)
Rory Darge (Scotland)
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
Jac Morgan (Wales)
Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

Scrum-Halves: Gibson-Park to Lead the Pack

Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park looks set to retain his spot after an impressive World Cup. England’s Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet will compete for backup roles, while Scotland’s Ben White and Wales’ Tomos Williams round out the options.

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
Alex Mitchell (England)
Jack van Poortvliet (England)
Ben White (Scotland)
Tomos Williams (Wales)

Fly-Halves: Farrell and Ford in the Mix, Russell a Wildcard

Owen Farrell’s leadership and experience keep him in contention, but England’s George Ford and Marcus Smith offer contrasting styles. Ireland’s Jack Crowley and rising star Sam Prendergast provide alternatives, while Scotland’s Finn Russell remains a game-changer.

Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Jack Crowley (Ireland)
Owen Farrell (England)
Marcus Smith (England)
Fin Smith (England)
George Ford (England)
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Tom Jordan (Scotland)

Centres: Aki and Ringrose Set to Star

Ireland’s midfield pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose looks set to continue, with Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne adding depth. Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones bring attacking flair to the mix.

Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Huw Jones (Scotland)

Back Three: Lowe and Keenan Lead the Line

Ireland’s back three trio of James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, and Mack Hansen remain front-runners. Scotland’s Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe provide proven finishing power. England’s Elliot Daly and youngsters Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme, and Tom Roebuck are pushing for spots.

James Lowe (Ireland)
Mack Hansen (Ireland)
Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Darcy Graham (Scotland)
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Tommy Freeman (England)
Ollie Sleightholme (England)
Tom Roebuck (England)
Elliot Daly (England)

Nation Breakdown: Ireland Leads the Way

With a total of 75 players predicted to make the longlist, here’s a breakdown by nation:

Ireland: 22 players
England: 28 players
Scotland: 14 players
Wales: 11 players

Andy Farrell and his coaching team will have difficult decisions to make as the tour approaches, with intense competition across every position. Expect plenty of surprises when the final squad is announced.