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'Immense': New Zealand Rugby pay tribute to newly retired referee Wayne Barnes

03 Nov 2023

Referee Wayne Barnes talks to Ardie Savea of New Zealand after the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

New Zealand Rugby have paid tribute to Wayne Barnes after the referee announced his retirement this week just days after officiating the Rugby World Cup final.

The 44-year-old oversaw his first ever World Cup final on Saturday as South Africa overcame the All Blacks 12-11 at the Stade de France, and had to brandish a yellow card on four occasions during the match, with All Blacks captain Sam Cane’s card being upgraded to a red by the bunker in the first-half.

In the wake of final, Barnes has been subjected to online abuse including death threats, which became an all too common theme during the World Cup with England’s Tom Curry and South Africa’s Cobus Reinach also experiencing the same treatment during the tournament. In his statement announcing his retirement, he said that he will strive to prevent this happening to other referees in the future.

All Black coach Ian Foster speaks about his team’s one-point loss to the Springboks in the World Cup Final

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All Black coach Ian Foster speaks about his team’s one-point loss to the Springboks in the World Cup Final

He said: “I will work closely with the International Rugby Match Officials’ association to ensure match officials across the globe not only have a collective voice but also the appropriate support network for them and their families, particularly as online abuse and threats have become far too regular for all of those involved in the game.”

Despite losing in the final, it was all class from New Zealand on social media, as they paid tribute to the 111-Test referee, saying his contribution to the game has been “immense”.

“Congratulations to Wayne Barnes,” NZR wrote on X. “Who has called time on his refereeing career. With a record-breaking 111 Test matches in the middle, Wayne’s contribution to the world game has been immense. We wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

This post from New Zealand was followed by the hashtag #RespectTheRef, which is important given everything that has expired this past week.

Congratulations to Wayne Barnes, who has called time on his refereeing career. With a record-breaking 111 Test matches in the middle, Wayne’s contribution to the world game has been immense. We wish him and his family all the best for the future. #RespectTheRef 🏉 pic.twitter.com/Ws7oBAbIdK
— New Zealand Rugby (@NZRugby) November 2, 2023

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Comments

7 Comments

Jen 645 days ago

ABs supporters are getting called all sorts of things following the final but it’s pretty clear that there are sour and vitriolic fans within every group. You can see it online. It was reported that this abuse happened following the SA v France game, too.

KM 645 days ago

Let’s hope Luke Pearce is appointed to top matches. He and Pepyer were the only refs at the world cup to allow games to flow - including Barnes, the alleged victim.

LjA 645 days ago

Seeing as it’s such a slight on All Blacks fans, would it be possible to see evidence of the death threats? It has been suggested there are multiple not just one. If people are pointing fingers/making claims of the likes, to be fair, there must be rock-solid proof, so let’s have it.

Paul 646 days ago

What's rugby becoming with all this online abuse. Rugby is supposed to be a gentleman’s game played and supported by gentleman. Before people abuse refs or players they should try and be in the spotlight for 80 minutes under pressure not to make a mistake.

yster 646 days ago

Bit late after they have abused him and his family, nothing gracious about the kiwi’s, sad to say. They all but forgot about Bryce Lawrence their statesman of a referee Thought Jeff Wilson says they had it in the bag, Not so great now.

JD 645 days ago

The NZRFU, coaches and players have not made any abusive statements about Wayne Barnes or his family. Those who spit vitriol on social media about any topic don’t represent the nation of any country. Don’t confuse the actions of a few with a society as a whole. As noted by NZRFU, Wayne most capped ref - what a legend. I hope he is able to continue on and help younger refs in a mentoring capacity.

Ian 646 days ago

Your oments aren’t needed. The kiwis have shown respect to the guy. Don’t try and change that.

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