The Latest Breaking News from Wayne Barnes

World Rugby hits back at Joe Schmidt over criticism of controversial decision in second Lions Test

The governing body have said Schmidt’s comments post-match were ‘disappointing’

The Independent UK · Jul 29, 2025

World Rugby rebuffs Joe Schmidt’s safety claim over Lions’ match-winning try

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh backed the coach’s view that it was a dangerous clearout.

The Independent UK · Jul 29, 2025

‘Abuse has become normalised’: report details devastating impact of online hate

The amount of online abuse directed at people in sport is getting worse and is having a ‘devastating impact’ on their lives, livelihoods and families, a new report by Ofcom and Kick It Out has found

The Guardian - UK · May 15, 2025

Death threats, AI, prosecutions: how should we stop referee abuse?

Multiple approaches are needed to stem vitriol aimed at officials but it is clear that examples need to be set at the top

The Guardian - UK · May 13, 2024

RFU increases sanction for abuse of officials as survey finds 49% targeted

The Rugby Football Union will increase sanctions for abuse of officials after a survey revealed 49% had been on the receiving end

The Guardian - UK · Jan 9, 2024

The year in World Cups: how South Africa won rugby’s battle of fine margins

Springboks and their inspirational captain, Siya Kolisi, won their three knockout games in France by a single point

The Guardian - UK · Dec 28, 2023

Red mist: Rugby’s leaders would do well to heed wise words of Wayne Barnes

The retired referee says ‘game needs to have discussion’ about current protocols regarding the all-too regular handing out of red cards

The Guardian - UK · Dec 26, 2023

World Cup final TMO Tom Foley steps away from international rugby after ‘torrent of abuse’

Foley revealed that he and his children had received death threats in the aftermath of the final

The Independent UK · Dec 4, 2023

Wayne Barnes: ‘It’s gone to the next level of abuse in the last 12 months – aimed at my family’

Rugby referee who retired after the 2023 World Cup final on his career, online abuse and friendship with Howard Webb

The Guardian - UK · Nov 18, 2023

Welcome to Wayne’s world: Barnes lifts lid on the dark side of refereeing

The former referee’s new autobiography is required reading and lays bare some of the more disturbing aspects of modern rugby

The Guardian - UK · Nov 14, 2023