Wayne Barnes to retire after the Rugby World Cup

England referee Wayne Barnes revealed to the Guardian that the upcoming Premiership season in England will be his last as he eyes a fourth a final World Cup.

Barnes will retire following next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan having refereed 200 Premiership games and 81 test matches.

The 39-year-old made his test debut as referee in 2006 and a year later was in charge of the All Blacks Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.

Barnes is currently the most capped Premiership referee having overtaken Chris White on 190 matches in English rugby’s top League in Decemeber.