Wayne Barnes had heart restarted during 2023 Rugby World Cup after shocking series of events

While on a training run in Paris, Barnes’ heart rate spiked to a jaw-dropping 230 beats per minute. He described the terrifying moment, explaining that his legs felt like "wet spaghetti" and he struggled to breathe.

Barnes, who had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation back in 2009, saw his condition turn into tachycardia, a dangerously high heart rate. Cardiologists were forced to reset his heart's rhythm, but the drama didn't end there.

Despite the health emergency, Barnes went ahead with his duties and officiated the Wales vs Australia match just days later. He recalls a moment early in the game when Welsh scrum-half Gareth Davies scored a try after a 50-metre dash: "I thought, 'Oh s***, I'm in trouble here…'"

Apple Watch to the Rescue

After feeling unwell during the match, Barnes called his cardiologist, who instructed him to send an ECG reading using an Apple Watch. The diagnosis? His heart was in tachycardia again. The solution? A quick flight back to London for a heart-reset procedure.

Remarkably, Barnes had his heart restarted in a simple procedure and was back in France to continue refereeing for the rest of the Rugby World Cup. Talk about resilience!

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.

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.

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.

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."