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England rugby referee Wayne Barnes, 44, announced today his retirement from action after a long career and refereeing the France 2023 World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand.
“I had the privilege of refereeing a World Cup final between two great teams, the All Blacks and the Springboks. You know when is the right time to retire, and for me it’s now. My kids have spent a lot. Their father’s time away, and now I spend the weekend with my family. Looking forward to the final days,” he said while announcing his decision.
The Englishman has played 27 World Cup matches in France, Wales and Scotland since 2007 and has amassed 111 international caps, making him the most capped referee in history, RMC noted.
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“Wayne has been a great ambassador for rugby both on and off the field. What makes him so exceptional is not just his distinguished career as a referee, but his wider contribution to rugby,” said World Rugby President Bill Beaumont.
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