Wayne Barnes becomes RFU Board member

He replaces Phil de Glanville, as the RFU Senior Men’s Professional Rugby Board Representative. His appointment begins immediately and is for a three-year term, until 31 July 2027.

Wayne retired from refereeing in 2023, three decades after he first took up the whistle. He officiated a world record 111 Test matches, including at five Rugby World Cups, 26 Six Nations matches and 273 English Premiership games. His retirement came after refereeing the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France.

Throughout his refereeing career, Wayne continued to work as a barrister and is currently a partner at the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs. He was instrumental in the establishment of the International Rugby Match Officials’ Association and since his retirement has continued to advocate for match officials globally. After an incredible refereeing journey, he has inspired future generations of referees.