Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Wayne Barnes replaces former England captain in RFU role

Referee Wayne Barnes checks a potential misdemeanour on the big screen during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Ireland and Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire on September 16, 2023 in Nantes, France. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Former referee Wayne Barnes has joined the RFU Board as the Senior Men’s Professional Rugby Board Representative.

ADVERTISEMENT

The refereeing legend, 45, has replaced former England captain Phil de Glanville in the role, which will run for three years until July 31 2027.

Barnes brought his distinguished refereeing career to an end at the Rugby World Cup final last year in what was a record-extending 111th Test match.

Video Spacer

Where did it go wrong for the Boks in the first 60 vs NZ? | RPTV

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:58
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:58
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Where did it go wrong for the Boks in the first 60 vs NZ? | RPTV

    The Boks Office crew, joined by Andrew Mehrtens, discuss why South Africa fell behind at Ellis Park. Watch the full episode on RugbyPass TV

    Watch now

    The appointment will see Barnes directly involved in the governance of the game, providing his expertise from both professional rugby and his legal background, where he continues to work as a barrister as he did throughout his refereeing career.

    The Englishman will be the first match official on the Board.

    Fixture
    Internationals
    England
    22 - 24
    Full-time
    New Zealand
    All Stats and Data

    “I’m delighted to be able to put my knowledge and learnings from a long career in rugby – having refereed my first English Premiership match in 2003 – and my 20 year legal career to use on the RFU Board as its Senior Professional Game Board Representative,” Barnes said.

    “I have always been proud to represent match officials and applaud the RFU for widening the perspective of the Board by appointing an ex-professional referee. In my new role, I will ensure I represent the whole game with the same passion and integrity as I have done throughout my refereeing career.”

    RFU Chair Tom Ilube added: “We are really pleased to have someone with Wayne’s extensive knowledge of the professional game join us on the RFU Board and to have for the first time the voice of professional match officials involved directly in the governance of the game at the highest levels.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “His knowledge of rugby union, plus his legal background, will be of huge value to the Board. We are equally pleased to be able to keep Wayne involved with the RFU following his retirement from match officiating after last year’s Rugby World Cup.

    “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Phil de Glanville for everything he has contributed over many years as a member of the Board.”

    Related

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

    Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

    New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

    Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

    Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

    The Rise of Kenya | The Report

    New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

    The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    6 Comments
    D
    DC000 210 days ago

    Couldn't be any worse at it than he was as a ref, right.


    Utterly 💩 ref - particularly in the last RWC. An utter embarrassment to the sport

    W
    Werner 207 days ago

    Not sure we were watching the same RWC.


    Feel like he's a scapegoat for actions the TMO took and dumb situations players put themselves in.


    He missed very few big calls and always controlled the conversation with players. No ref gets everything 100% right. Would take him over Gardner or O'Keefe any day!!

    R
    Rooksie 211 days ago

    Let's hope they let Barnes take his seeing eye dog to the meetings..he rally needs one

    B
    Bull Shark 211 days ago

    Nigel’s going to lose his sh1t now.


    🍿

    D
    DP 211 days ago

    Nice! Well done Barnes, brilliant referee.

    N
    Ninjin 210 days ago

    One of the best!

    R
    Rooksie 211 days ago

    Brilliant..a joke yes

    Load More Comments

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Features

    Comments on RugbyPass

    LONG READ
    LONG READ No definites, but which Wales players could still make Lions squad? No definites, but which Wales players could still make Lions squad?
    Search