Wayne Barnes, the esteemed rugby referee, hung up his whistle following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, citing the alarming surge in online abuse and threats directed at officials in the Rugby Union realm.
Barnes, who officiated at the prestigious tournament in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019, entered the scene at a tender age of 28 during his debut appearance.
Taking to social media, Barnes penned a heartfelt statement elucidating his rationale behind bidding adieu to his illustrious two-decade-long career in top-tier refereeing.
Reflecting on his journey, Barnes remarked, “Over the past 20 years, I have been in the middle of some of the greatest rugby matches in history. I have seen some of the world’s best players and worked with some of the finest coaches the game has ever produced.”
He continued, “Last Saturday, I was privileged to referee the Rugby World Cup final between two of the most iconic teams in sport; the All Blacks and the Springboks.”
Barnes emphasised, “People often say you will know when it is the right time to retire, and this is clearly the right time for me and for my family. My children have missed out on time with their dad for far too long, and I am now looking forward to family weekends, sports matches, school assemblies, and birthday parties.”
Transitioning into his mid-week profession as a lawyer, Barnes now channels his expertise at London law firm Squire Patton Boggs. His legal journey commenced post-graduation from the University of East Anglia in 2001, with stints at 3 Temple Gardens and Fulcrum preceding his current role.
Specialising in a myriad of sectors including publishing, sports, logistics, energy, infrastructure, and natural resources, Barnes also undertakes investigative roles for prominent sporting bodies such as the British Judo Association, England Boxing, and England Hockey.
Delving into his dual roles, Barnes elucidated, “I’m a criminal lawyer, so I’ll go down into the cells hours before a client is about to stand trial or apply for bail. I try to get their confidence, explain everything, let them know their voice will be heard.
“As a referee, I go into a changing room two hours before a match, it’s the first time I’ll have met the captains, so there are lots of similarities, with me making sure people have been heard and trying to do the best job possible.”
In addition to his legal pursuits, Barnes has embraced the role of a columnist for The Telegraph, adding yet another dimension to his multifaceted career trajectory.
He’s also released his memoir, “Throwing The Book”.
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Highest-paid rugby players:
Breaking records and raising eyebrows, these players are leading the charge in the financial stakes of rugby union. Here’s the rundown of the top earners in the game according to The Scotsman:
Siya Kolisi – £850,000
The South African skipper boasts an impressive resume with two Rugby World Cup triumphs and a commendable third-place finish. At French powerhouse Racing 92, Kolisi has been commanding a salary of £850,000, but with the recent arrival of Owen Farrell, he might be eyeing a bump in his paycheck.
Faf De Klerk – £900,000
De Klerk, another key figure in South Africa’s World Cup-winning squad, has made his mark in Japan. Playing for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, he’s banking a cool £900,000 annually, showcasing the global appeal of rugby’s top talents.
