‘Best referee rugby has ever had

Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement as a match official in order to be closer to his family and seek new opportunities.

The record-breaking referee presided over his 111th Test match, the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.

Barnes is praised by colleagues.

On Thursday afternoon, the Englishman announced his retirement, with experts, fans, colleagues, and players congratulating him on his career.

Ex-referee Nigel Owens thanked Barnes and welcomed him into retirement when he shattered most of Owens’ records.

“Congratulations @WayneBarnesRef on a wonderful career; it was always a pleasure to work and be in your company on and off the field.” “Welcome to the ex-referee club, enjoy your well-deserved retirement,” Owens wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

In heartfelt comments, Barnes’ coworkers hailed him as an inspiration and complimented his work ethic.

“I’ve been working with this guy for 13 years. A fantastic ref, but more importantly, a great guy. “Here’s to the next chapter,” wrote Luke Pearce.

“His work ethic and preparation are unmatched, his desire to constantly improve is unmatched, and his ability to build a team around him who will have each other’s back is unmatched,” Christophe Ridley added. His records will never be broken, and for good reason. Wayne Barnes is a legend and the person who has most influenced me.”

“Best rugby referee of all time”

Journalists, pundits and fans were also quick to congratulate Barnes and wish him well in retirement.

“Wayne Barnes, the finest referee in rugby, bows out at the top. A fabulous career at the summit; his longevity testament to his excellence and resilience in the face of some truly heinous online abuse. Great that he’ll continue to help the next crop navigate these choppy waters,” Jamie Lyall wrote.

Broadcaster Sonja McLaughlan highlighted a key part of Barnes’ statement where he says that he will continue to advocate for referees.

“I will continue to advocate for referees and their families….especially as online abuse and threats have become far too common for all those involved in the game,” she wrote in her essay. It’s no surprise that this remark appears in Wayne Barnes’ retirement statement.”

In another post, journalist Charlie Morgan agreed with Sonja.

“It’s fantastic that Wayne Barnes is staying in the game to advocate for and support referees.” “Amazing career and a positive influence on many people,” Morgan wrote.

According to analyst Will Owen, Barnes is the best referee of all time.

“The reason Wayne Barnes is the best rugby referee of all time is that he has never had an ego in the way he manages a game.” Always prioritize the athletes and the game that he clearly loves. “He will be greatly missed,” Owen wrote.

That sentiment was shared by many.

“It’s fair to say Wayne Barnes has been the best referee rugby has ever had,” Sam Larner remarked. He also managed to come across as extremely kind over the entire period, and he was the catalyst for much of the good communication we now see among international refs. “Enjoy your retirement!”