Barnsey

[Gloskarlos]

Has retired from reffing.

As expected I think, managed to completely alienate NZ but in my view was and is still the best around. Fair play to him. Cites briefly on line abuse in his retirement message, as a very low level ref myself there's plenty of abuse at local level, never mind a nation on your back, managing that must be horrendous when family members are receiving death threats, so much for rugby values..

Who's next best? Luke Pearce? didn't get much of a run out at the WC, perhaps world rugby don't rate him that highly yet....

[Epaminondas Pules]

Amazing referee! Legend! Gutted because the gulf between him and everyone else is rather large!

Best there’s ever been! But thoroughly deserved retirement!

[fivepointer]

Top ref. Did it better than probably anyone else has. Hard man to replace.

[Oakboy]

Always came across in interviews as a great bloke.

I can never understand the mentality of people who hurl vicious on-line abuse nor can I comprehend why they are not brought to book. It is time that international agreements were drawn up to do so. For such to be a contributory factor to the retirement of a wonderful ref should shame the game.

[francoisfou]

An English ref who’s appreciated here in France is as rare as hens’ teeth, but Barnsey was one. His French may have had a distinctive accent but he more than adequately communicated with players and earned their respect. Let’s hope he’ll be offered some rôle by World Rugby or the RFU in the future of our game, which is not in the rudest of health.

[oldbackrow]

Always came across in interviews as a great bloke.

I can never understand the mentality of people who hurl vicious on-line abuse nor can I comprehend why they are not brought to book. It is time that international agreements were drawn up to do so. For such to be a contributory factor to the retirement of a wonderful ref should shame the game.

Agreed, and like Nigel Owen is really clear when explaining the intricacies of refs decision making.
Such a pity if the main deciding factor has been this second round of 'threats' to him and his family.
Well done Wayne on a good career.

[twitchy]

#rugbyvalues

[acw303]

An English ref who’s appreciated here in France is as rare as hens’ teeth, but Barnsey was one. His French may have had a distinctive accent but he more than adequately communicated with players and earned their respect. Let’s hope he’ll be offered some rôle by World Rugby or the RFU in the future of our game, which is not in the rudest of health.

Always like the fact that him and Luke Pearce actually bother to try and communicate in French to the players

[Gloskarlos]

[Spiffy]

Amazing referee! Legend! Gutted because the gulf between him and everyone else is rather large!

Best there’s ever been! But thoroughly deserved retirement!

Top ref, but best ever ???? I've seen games where it seemed that Barnes decided early on which pack was on top in scrums/rucks/mauls then reffed accordingly.

[Beasties]

Maybe not a surprise but thank you Wayne, you’ve been one of the top refs for many years. Always enjoyed your reffing even when Wasps were on the receiving end.

Hopefully that Georgian chap will be pushed forward more, he was terrific at the WC. I’d mention Christophe Ridley in this country as rising to the top.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Amazing referee! Legend! Gutted because the gulf between him and everyone else is rather large!

Best there’s ever been! But thoroughly deserved retirement!

Top ref, but best ever ???? I've seen games where it seemed that Barnes decided early on which pack was on top in scrums/rucks/mauls then reffed accordingly.

Yep, best ever. There’s been a handful of spectacular refs over the years and Barnes is right at the top.

[Mikey Brown]

As with every sport they should stick one of us out there for a big match just to show the public just how bad it could be in comparison.

[p/d]

As with every sport they should stick one of us out there for a big match just to show the public just how bad it could be in comparison.

Why, has Rolland retired?

[Mellsblue]

https://x.com/waynebarnesref/status/172 ... MV3j-SK8yQ