Wayne Barnes didn't hesitate naming the worst rugby player to referee

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 08:32

bySteven Smith

Record-breaking referee Wayne Barnes has lifted the lid on the players who made his job the hardest—and the answers might surprise you.

From joking front-rowers to intimidating World Cup winners, Barnes has ranked the five toughest personalities he had to deal with across a career that spanned 111 Test matches and five Rugby World Cups.

And his No.1 pick? A player widely considered one of the greatest of all time.

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The Players Who Tested Wayne Barnes the Most

Joe Marler – The Joker Who Never Switched Off

Joe Marler has built a reputation as one of rugby’s biggest characters—and that didn’t stop when speaking to referees.

The Harlequins prop, who has earned over 80 England caps, was a key part of the side that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. But it’s his personality that made him stand out.

Barnes admitted:
“He was always a funny one… you’d be trying to tell him something serious and he’d just want to have a laugh.”

Matt Dawson – The Classic Scrum-Half

World Cup winner Matt Dawson fits the stereotype perfectly.

A central figure in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, Dawson was known for controlling games—and constantly talking.

Barnes said:
“Scrum-halves are always the worst, especially Matt.”

Martin Johnson – The Most Intimidating of Them All?

Few players commanded respect like Martin Johnson.

The legendary England captain, who led his side to World Cup glory in 2003, was a towering presence both physically and mentally during his career with Leicester Tigers.

And even referees felt it.

Barnes revealed:
“I had to sin-bin him once… and I actually apologised as I did it. He scared me witless!”

Andy Goode – The Quick-Witted Challenger

Former England fly-half Andy Goode brought humour—but also constant pressure.

With over 4,000 career points and more than 400 appearances, the Leicester Tigers legend was known for his sharp rugby brain and even sharper tongue.

Barnes recalled one exchange:
“I told him it sounded like there were 15 referees on the pitch… and he said, ‘And you’re not even in the top 10.’”

Richie McCaw – The Mastermind

At No.1 is Richie McCaw—and it’s not hard to see why.

The iconic All Blacks captain led his country to back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015, earning 148 caps and three World Player of the Year awards.

But it wasn’t just his ability—it was his intelligence.

Barnes explained:
“He always asked the right question at the right time… he knew the law book inside out.”