Wayne Barnes and his wife Polly Barnes were in the spotlight after the Rugby World Cup final for threats on social media. He was chosen to referee the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa in October 2023. His wife reportedly received death threats after the competition. Barnes retired on 2 November 2023 following abuse on social media following the Rugby World Cup final, bringing to an end an illustrious career that spanned 111 Test matches. Wayne and Polly Barnes have known each other most of their lives. Despite being childhood friends, they only started dating in their mid-20s. Despite this, they are married and loving parents of their two children.
Wayne Barnes is a former English international rugby union referee born on 20 April 1979 in Bream, Gloucestershire. Branes started his refereeing career at the age of 15 at Gloucester & District Referees. At the age of 21, he became the youngest judge elected to the Panel of National Judges. Barnes has been a professional referee since April 2005, officiating at prestigious competitions such as the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations and the Heineken Cup.
Despite criticism during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he continued to thrive. He oversaw the 2010 Heineken Cup final and will officiate his 250th Premiership rugby match in 2022. Outside of rugby, Barnes, a criminal lawyer and partner at Squire Patton Boggs, details his story in a memoir, “Throwing the Book,” scheduled for release on the 9th. November 2023
Who is Wayne Barnes’ wife, Polly Barnes?
Wayne Barnes married the love of his life, Polly Barnes, and they now live in London. They reportedly got married in the early 2000s and have been together ever since. Polly has also been deeply involved with rugby throughout her life, from her first exposure to the sport to her current job as co-founder and director of the Women’s Rugby Association. Mrs Barnes was a rugby player who started playing when she was about eleven years old.
But she had to give up rugby because she wanted to study ballet and modern dance. Polly met Wayne when she was eleven and her husband when he was sixteen. In order to explore their relationship more deeply, the former rugby referee began questioning Polly when she was about sixteen years old. Polly finally succumbed to Wayne’s persistent advances around the age of 24. The Barneses are now the delighted parents of two young children named Juno and Beau.
Internet threats to the family
Wayne Barnes’ last match was one of his toughest. In the 12-11 loss to South Africa in the final of the Rugby World Cup, he issued the first red card to New Zealand captain Sam Cane. After the failure, New Zealand fans started insulting the 44-year-old referee. A few days later, Barnes announced his withdrawal from the trial. Wayne has spoken out against social media harassment, calling it ‘evil’ and demanding action. He told BBC Sports: “When people threaten your wife and children, they should be held accountable and punished.”
Threats of sexual violence, threats to know where you live, Barnes said. It crosses that line.” Furthermore, Wayne claims to use social media to promote charity work and service, highlighting the hardships of the job and humanizing it. He went on to say: “I make that choice, and with that choice comes the possibility for people to send messages of hatred and violence.” Barnes hopes his experience and retirement will help the next generation of judges face similar issues.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education