Who is Ireland vs France referee Wayne Barnes? Senior official and qualified barrister referees Six Nations 2023 match
WAYNE BARNES has been appointed to officiate Ireland’s Six Nations match against France
And both teams will be determined to build on their opening-day victories.
GettyWayne Barnes takes charge Ireland vs France[/caption]
Find out more about who Wayne Barnes is below
Who is Wayne Barnes?
Wayne Barnes was born in 1979 in Bream, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
He started playing rugby at the age of eight and then took up refereeing at the age of 15.
At the age of 21, Barnes became the youngest referee ever appointed to the Panel of National referees. He became a professional referee in 2005.
Just two years later, he officiated at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, a competition he would referee at again in 2011 and 2015.
Following the retirement of Wales’ Nigel Owens, many believe Barnes to be the world’s best referee.
In last year’s Six Nations, Barnes sent off Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony against Wales and he was TMO when France’s Paul Willemse was red carded against the Welsh.
Barnes is regularly heard communicating in French when he referees teams from the country in international and European matches.
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Does Wayne Barnes have another job?
Yes. Wayne Barnes works part-time as a barrister.
He said of his weekly schedule: “On Monday and Tuesday, we’ll do reviews and training as a referees group.
“On Wednesday I try to be in the chambers in town most of the time. Then it depends on what the weekend is looking like.
“If it’s a Premiership game, I’ll likely be in chambers on Thursday too; if it’s a European week I’ll probably be travelling.
“It’s important to get away from rugby at times and this (being a barrister) is a good way to switch off.”
