Referee Wayne Barnes announces retirement

World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement.

The English man refereed over 100 Test matches as well 273 English Premiership games, officiated in 17 Six Nations tournaments and taken charge of 10 Premiership finals.

The 44-year-old presided over 27 World Cup games across five tournaments.

Barnes was in charge for Ireland's pool victory over Tonga and their quarter-final loss to New Zealand and was the man in the middle for the final between South Africa and the All Blacks.

He said: "Over the past 20 years, I have been in the middle of some of the greatest rugby matches in history.

"I have seen some of the world's best players and worked with some of the finest coaches the game has ever produced.

"Last Saturday, I was privileged to referee the Rugby World Cup final between two of the most iconic teams in sport; the All Blacks and the Springboks. People often say you will know when it is the right time to retire, and this is clearly the right time for me and for my family.

"My children have missed out on time with their dad for far too long and I am now looking forward to family weekends, sports matches, school assemblies and birthday parties.

"My wife, Polly, has sacrificed more than anyone so that I have been able to achieve some of my personal goals. While I have been away most weekends and for decent chunks of the year, she has had to juggle being an amazing mum with two active children, along with holding down a hugely successful career of her own.

"I will continue to advocate for referees and work closely with the International Rugby Match Officials’ association to ensure match officials across the globe not only have a collective voice but also the appropriate support network for them and their families,