Rugby World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement after taking charge of South Africa's recent win over New Zealand.
A statement released by the English official, 44, on Thursday revealed his decision to hang up his whistle to spend more time with his family.
Barnes was many pundits' tip to be handed the reins to last month's showpiece in Paris and made history when producing the first red card a World Cup final has seen.
All Blacks captain Sam Cane was given his marching orders after a review of his high tackle before his side fell to a 12-11 defeat to the Springboks.
Barnes' wife, Polly, revealed that he had been subjected to death threats following the game.
New Zealand have called for a review into the officiating of the final after disagreeing with several calls.
Barnes turned professional in 2005 and oversaw more than 250 Premiership games and also became the first referee to send off a player in that final. Dylan Hartley was given his marching orders for labelling him a "f****** cheat" in 2013 and received a subsequent 11-week ban.
“Over the past 20 years, I have been in the middle of some of the greatest rugby matches in history," Barnes, a part-time barrister, wrote in his statement.
“I have seen some of the world’s best players and worked with some of the finest coaches the game has ever produced. Last Saturday, I was privileged to referee the Rugby World Cup final between two of the most iconic teams in sport; the All Blacks and the Springboks. People often say you will know when it is the right time to retire, and this is clearly the right time for me and for my family.
“My children have missed out on time with their dad for far too long and I am now looking forward to family weekends, sports matches, school assemblies and birthday parties.
“My wife, Polly, has sacrificed more than anyone so that I have been able to achieve some of my personal goals. While I have been away most weekends and for decent chunks of the year, she has had to juggle being an amazing mum with two active children, along with holding down a hugely successful career of her own.
“I will continue to advocate for referees and 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.
“I am extremely proud that my career has spanned five Rugby World Cups, 26 Six Nations matches, three European Champions Cup finals and 10 Premiership Finals, and I’m grateful for all of those who have helped me along the way, in particular, Chris White, Tony Spreadbury, Brian Campsall, Nigel Yates and Phil Keith-Roach.
“It's been an incredible journey.”
