Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement after refereeing 111 Tests, making his last match the World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand.
Barnes, 44, brought to a close nearly three decades of officiating having started in his teens, by saying it was the right time for him and his family to hang up the whistle. He spoke of his pride at taking the reins across five Rugby World Cups and 26 Six Nations matches, and, having been attacked himself on social media in recent years – including last weekend, pledged to continue to support officials against online abuse and threats in his retirement.
