Wayne Barnes: The man in the middle
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ธ.ค. 2024
- Just weeks after THAT game in France and THOSE tweets from Rassie Erasmus the brilliant Wayne Barnes joins Payno and Ben Keyser to talk about the backlash on social media in the aftermath of that Springbok defeat and how it's affected him and his family. He reveals that he cancelled the planned half-time celebration at Twickenham in recogonition of his 101 caps and whether he wants to carry on being a referee or not (SPOILER: He does!). It's not all serious though, we find out what his karaoke song is, if his picture is still in a New Zealand urinal and how he and his team escaped from the Principality after the World Cup QF win by France over the All Blacks in 2007.
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0:05 - Show Starts
0:50 - Wayne's Languages
4:54 - The Last Few Weeks
8:37 - France vs Springboks
10:50 - Post Match Debriefs
16:12 - Social Abuse
26:58 - Rassie Tweets
34:06 - Wayne's SA games
38:36 - Twickenham Cancelled
46:19 - Expectations & Technology
1:00:09 - Wayne The Lawyer
1:10:14 - 2007
1:13:32 - Unique Transport
1:18:12 - Wayne In 2023?
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Excellent podcast but the audio levels need to be sorted. I need it on full volume to hear the interviews and then get blasted when the adverts come on!
South African fan here with a huge thank you to all the hard work to Wayne and all his colleagues do week in and week out. Without you there would be no game. Do officials get every decision in every game right - of course not (and bear in mind that 'right' is subjective in the fan's eyes). There is never a reason or excuse to hurl abuse at officials and especially not their family. Grow up, deal with your disappointment, be an adult and look forward to the next game.
Well said Sir
Rassie should take note
@@wanderer5598 100% he should simply follow the process. Engage behind closed doors like everyone else. At the very least avoid stoking the flames on SM.
Erasmus should be hauled over the Coals by world Rugby!! How dare he make any comment? Wayne doesn't deserve being intimidated by any player. Rugby has to Ban Erasmus for at least the entire international season this year, and possibly the world cup next year, he should be shut down now by both the South African rugby union, and world Rugby. He needs to grow up.
@@thetruthhurts7675 💯
P
This has been an excellent discussion. Very honest and open, which deserves respect for being so. The revelations by Wayne Barnes were a shock. I enjoy the game of rugby. The players are to be respected for their efforts, skills, and abilities. This episode of GBR cries out for the enforcement of a 'Respect the Ref' campaign. This is rugby, not football/soccer, and threatening, abusive, or insulting language in whatever forms need to be dealt with most strongly. 'Respect the Ref'.
You earn respect ;)
That French guy talks an awful lot of shit.
@@patrickbrennan911 That's a very polite, well-thought-out comment. I imagine it took you some time to compose it. That's the type of remark that is unnecessary. Now, go and find your carer and apologise for accessing the internet without their knowledge, and promise your carer you won't do it again.
@@green856w ok so I didn’t expand to any large degree, I guess because I though it was plain for all to see. At the fawning and talking in circles. I think Barnsey was even embarrassed listening to it!
@@patrickbrennan911 You're entitled to your opinion, and assumed that 'all' think the same way as you do. Guess again.
Big respect to Wayne Barnes for his contribution to the game. As a South African I can only apologise if the vitriol stems from my fellow countrymen. You deserve better and some of us need to be much better. 🇿🇦
Agreed - but, they (British media) are doing exactly what they are accusing Rassie of doing - using social media to further their agenda and point of view - a matter of the pot calling the kettle black!
Yes but thank god he never has to ref another of our games
@business3867 im sure you would've been quite happy with his bullshit reffing last night
@@shane1899 He did okay kept the New Zealanders in it at least
@business3867 you're not wrong. He really kept them in the game with 14 men for 55 mins. And then siya smashes into ardies head... meh just a yellow. The final part of the game.... looks like nz getting a turnover meeh fuck that game overl here you saffa have a free rwc trophy
Wayne. As an South African I would like to thank you for your excellent sevice to our lovely gsme. You where the best of the best. Dont let the latest waves get you under. We a know its sour grapes. All your calls were 100%.
Wish you all the best in your new centure as an attorney.
Please visit our lovely Western Cape here.
F**k me. Here goes a frenchman having an urge to hug an englishman to comfort and support him. That's how much of a good referee and decent human being Wayne Barnes is.
From a kiwi here. Wayne Barnes is a legend of the game. Definitely does not deserve personal ammunition fired at his family.
Wayne Barnes is class 👌🏽
💯
I have great respect for Wayne Barnes and so do the rugby general public from all home nations.
💯
He is a fantastic .
A truly superb episode. Wayne Barnes is an outstanding referee and the game of rugby is lucky to have him. Great job by Alex Payne and Ben Kayser too, as always.
Mr Barnes is a true credit to the game. The stuff re his family getting abuse is disgusting
As are all the others…
Had the pleasure of listing to Barnsey at the England vs South Africa game. He was the highlight of the day such an interesting and funny guy.
I think it’s time to invite Rassie on the show to explain himself without the text limit of Twitter . 🇿🇦🇿🇦
Social media is such a cesspool. So sorry that you have to endure this disgusting behaviour Wayne.
Simply the best GBR podcast, core subject of an elite referee, fascinating, tbh followed and played rugby all my life. I never knew the amount of attention to detail you guys put in. Must be a regular podcast . Massive respect to a fellow man of Gloucestershire
From a South African, I cannot believe that this happened to the Barnes family. It’s shocking and deeply saddening. I know it’s hard to do but on behalf of all rugby loving South Africans, please accept our most humble apologies for what these cretinous human beings have done to you. They are not rugby fans but just sensation hunters with absolutely no values. Well done on your 100 caps Sir. Here’s to many more.
I'm more shocked that he hasn't received a call from Rassie or Jacques. Just give him a call and show some empathy and sympathy. We as south africans are better than that.
@@thehalf8 Absolutely man, it’s really disappointing!
@@thehalf8 It's because they don't care. Dirty country, dirty people.
@@mushimi_ we do care. But each to their own. The number 1 rule in South Africa and people will most likely go by this as law. "don't be a doos"
@@thehalf8 They owe him nothing.
Top ref from a Welshman. Best ref in the game for me. Behind you 💯 Barnesy boi.
As a Spirited bok supporter myself...yes...not every decision will go our way...neither will every decision be correct...when the game is over...drink a few brandys...complain...then lets get over it...which is what we normally...barnsey and hes family should not be subjectwd to abuse...hes proven time and time again what class act he is on the field...barnsey is also human...this isnt football...we get over it...and move on...
I feel sorry for Wayne and his family suffering this abuse as it’s totally out of order.
Referees have a thankless task but without them their is no game!
Found it really distressing to listen to Wayne Barnes recounting the abuse and threats. Much love to him and his family❤
Great interview, great bloke, brings to light once again just how toxic social media can be and the impact it can have on people's lives. If we can bring about one change within these online platforms moving into 2023, I hope it’s that those who threaten violence to others and their families can be caught and held accountable. The technology, I’m sure, it out there, but sadly not the want from those that govern them.
The best of the best. Wayne Barnes❤
This is a brilliant episode. One of the ‘questions’ was about whether this was a rugby problem or a society problem…it’s deeper than that…it’s a human problem.
Top man , and a bloody top referee is Wayne. Keep your spirit high . Gav from Wales.
Wayne is one of the refs I get most excited by when I read the appointments or match previews - clearcut in his decisions and a referee who lets the game play. He seems to have the respect of the players and things operate well. A really great episode of the show and I'm so disappointed that he and his family were so targeted (having seen i.e. Polly hassling Wayne's fitness in the Lions series etc, she seems a very good egg).
A note, too - that France v SA match was incredibly hard and relentless, it was a close game and Rassie is doing a disservice to two of the world's best teams in picking it apart.
Rassie is not the one with the whistle in the mouth. Nor did Rassie told or motivated anyone to send remarks to any referee. The footage was witnessed live by the entire world, including Barnes's inconsistent refereeing.
@@sbok9481 My comment was that Rassie was doing a disservice to France and the Springboks who played an intense game; the players themselves. I'm old enough to have loved Rassie as a player but be disappointed in his social media.
@@beewalkerqt Strange that you say that Rassie disappoints you in his social media. I could remember that Rassie himself defined "media" -and it's not Rassie's job to educate people in what media is. The reason for Rassie giving a definition of "media" was exactly to individuals who are not educated enough to understand.
Why definition?; Eddie Jones conduct special media interviews where he criticises referees. Have a look at Tas analytics videos of how often Eddie does it. Those footage are then posted on social media. It is also published on other media platforms, like articles. Eddie Jones also conduct post match interviews where he criticises referees at will after a game.
Dave Rennie: We all know, last year November, how Rennie climbed into referees during a post match media interview. That happened a week after he said that coaches should not criticise referees , refering to Rassie. During the week after his post match interview, he had additional media interviews complaining about referee standards.
Warren Gatland: Was the one individual who started it all, influencing and criticising the referee in the BIL series against SA even before the game started in media interviews. He made sure the referees hears his criticism. The referee, Nick Berry, then had the worst game in his history by even ignoring SA Captain on the field in sight of the entire rugby world. That was the referee overdoing it, demonstrating that he is not favouring SA, as Gatland insinuated.
SA went to lose that game that was handled unprofessionally by Berry. Rassie responded with his 62-minute video. Rassie was made out to be the villain, suddenly forgetting all about Gatland the week before.
Dave Foster: The NZ coach that continued with the habit of criticising referees and highlighting players supposed transgressions before a rugby match, especially against SA. He knows how to influence referees. One example was when Kurt-Lee Arendse had a great game against NZ, and SA beating them, Rennie was the entire week in media interviews forcing for a red carded Arendse to be banned. WR heard him and suspended a player who played his first test match, kept his eyes on the ball and ran himself concussed into the legs of Barret. Not deliberate.
So, every coach choses their own media platforms to get their points across. Whether Rassie leaks a video or use social media, he is always at fault in your eyes, who sees nothing wrong when other coaches do the same. The only difference is that people hate Rassie because he is the current World Champion.
Wayne is biased against the Boks
@@beewalkerqt Yet here we are, the British media (this TH-cam channel) is doing EXACTLY what they are accusing Rassie of doing - using social media opinion against Rassie - the pot calling the kettle black?
0:05 - Show Starts
0:50 - Wayne's Languages
4:54 - The Last Few Weeks
8:37 - France vs Springboks
10:50 - Post Match Debriefs
16:12 - Social Abuse
26:58 - Rassie Tweets
34:06 - Wayne's SA games
38:36 - Twickenham Cancelled
46:19 - Expectations & Technology
1:00:09 - Wayne The Lawyer
1:10:14 - 2007
1:13:32 - Unique Transport
1:18:12 - Wayne In 2023?
Guys - I love the GBR Pods but this is one of the best ones I have listened to. A really intelligent and thought provoking look at rugby values and the circumstances surrounding the horrendous online threats and abuse dished out on social media platforms. Thanks for your honesty and bravery Barnesy from a former Welsh referee.
Genuinely one of the best interviews you guys have done! The only way forward is for platforms to ask users to provide proof of ID on a yearly basis. I just hope that World Rugby is doing everything in their power to reach out to platforms to try to change things, clearly this can't go on. The impact on referees and anyone in fact who receives this type of abuse cannot be understated.
Dunno man - many people would be unable to report on news in their country, on certain people, without anonymity
Why use Twitter if you're a referee - just avoid it
You're the epitome of a tyrant's supporters club, convinced of your moral righteousness while being so.
This was one of the best GBR podcast i ever listen to quality wise. Such a shame the amount of abuse Wayne Barnes received just for a simple game of rugby.
Top ref! Class act, from an Irish fan. ☘️
Really great show. Much needed discussion, now to act and improve on this as a rugby community.
Only came here to comment having listened as Podcast. Bloody brilliant. Wayne,top bloke, great at explaining all things rugby. Also should put a shout out to Benjamin, he is fantastic at being pat of an team. Chap is going to be in great demand in 2023!
Six stars
My wife and I are big fans of Rugby 🏉 the Premiership, URC, extra Wayne is one of the best in the world. We are from Atlanta, USA 🇺🇸
Always enjoy seeing Wayne on programs/podcasts like this. Hope the people who sent his wife that abuse get the punishment they fully deserve
Brilliant interview, keep up the great work Wayne.
Wayne Barnes having a great game playing on the south african team at the 2023 world cup so far with a couple of shocking decisions so far wow
I hope Wayne with his experience and skill also as an advocate can help in developing a referee strategy to ensure a greater future for these guys. The game is so reliable on good refs and I think more should be done to develop and retain them. Great job
I really hope he is not forced to retire just yet. Great ref, but even greater human being. Good points made about technology helping refs. It will take time, but it's inevitable eventually. Keep going Barnsey!
People ( if that's what you want to call them) who abuse others especially their families are scum and cowards. Thing is the social media providers can track down this filth and bring them down. I've often used a few profanities while watching you but they were fleeting and harmless !! Your a class ref Wayne keep up the good work and best wishes to your family.
So sorry to hear what Wayne Barnes and his family have been through in recent weeks, as well as other referees. This is Rugby, it's about respect for the game and for the people, be it players, refs, supporters and clubs. Yeh...there is banter but not pure hatred for someone, those people who are saying this don't truly know what Rugby is about.
I always liked Wayne Barnes as a referee and this interview made me like him even more.
Just watched your latest vlog .
Very interesting chat with I would say one of the best referees in the game .How sad that he felt so abused by so called rugby fans he thought about leaving the game .
However that vlog should be put out on a prime time slot on tv it was one of the most honest and thought provoking interviews on sport I’ve listened to .
Well done Good bad & the Rugby for airing the issues and for Wayne Barnes for such a heartfelt reply .
Congratulations Wayne Barnes on your career and surpassing 100 caps
This actually made me quite sad. Very impressed by Ben.
What a top bloke Mr Barnes is. Had the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions when I was the comms man for various premiership games over an 11 year period. Always polite and respectful.
That's why we respect the AB's - Kiwi's and SAFFERS, long may the rivalry (read "respect") continue. A single point separating the two best teams on the planet.
Dude as a South African I hang my head in shame. You are and will be with the mistakes one of my favourite referees. I apologise for the actions of the hooligans down here.
Well said, sir. So many decent and Rugby-loving Saffers out there that we have bumped into over the years.
But there is now an increasingly visible thug channel, riding shotgun for Rassie’s pettiness, called TAS ANALYTICS - which is essentially just a breeding ground for xenophobic hate.
Probably the ONLY place I’ve EVER really come across this in either Union or League. Maybe decent South African supporters - like yourselves - can address this to preserve our game from the grip of the idiots. There have always been rivalries - and please God, there always will be - but the hate has got to stop.
I originally sent this reply to one of your level-headed countrymen above - but I was moved by your comment too.
@@mikegray8776 indeed it's just a game man. We have to move past the Anglo boer war.
Social media is the issue, wish the worlds leaders would so something about it. excellent discussion and great show as always.
Just wanted to say enjoy your retirement Wayne Barnes you are a great ref. They way you have been treated by some "fans" is an absolute disgrace. I appreciate everything youve done for the game.
Great thanks to Wayne Barnes as a very fair minded ref a very good ref a man who knows his profession extremely well lam an Irish rugby Leinster fan thanks to you Wayne good luck in the future Peter
Wayne is all class. Top ref, top man. Fucking awful how he gets treated and wtf is wrong with people attacking his wife? Fuck man, that’s not rugby.
Wow, Barnes really impressed.
Seams an intelligent guy and good chat all round. Good on him.
Outstanding Podcast
Hat's off to you Barnesy, you are role model to all the ref out there and always love to see you officiating a game..
He 100% the problem with union rubbish referee too much stopping and starting and still gets heaps of calls wrong
New found respect. Wayne Barnes you have a new South African fan.
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode!
Your the man Wayne Barnes, as a New Zealander I do respect you as a fair rugby referee wether it goes against my team or for my team. Every decision you make really makes sense to me. Which is in my book is fair. Keep up the good referring mate. This is written before the final of the 2023 World Cup final.
Gifting SA 3 points in a World Cup Final, then within a minute he admitted his mistake on the mic.
This was brilliant. Thankyou. Going forwards I think it would be great for you to have Nigel Owens on the show as a regular guest. Somebody hugely respected in the game who has the ref's view point, and these days, apart from busy with his cows, maybe has the time to spend with you.
So many prophetic words now that the 2023 WC is over. Online threats are against the law. Threatening someone online or face to face, is a criminal offence. Logical deduction means that World Rugby has a representation in the country where the online threat is originating. Therefore, a mechanism should be setup globally through World Rugby associations, to track down the offenders and prosecute them in their jurisdictions. Should be possible.
100% agree with this
Surely the social media outlets can work with them and ban these people from using their platforms
Great interview, love the idea of different technologies being introduced. Maybe give the ref a taser to pick off the third man joining a ruck to form a train ;-)
I had a conversation with Luke Pearce a week after he refereed South Arica when they lost. Not a pleasant experience afterwards. South Africa need to take a hard look at themselves.
Where did anyone attack Luke Pearce? Don't make up sit. Do you know only about 10%of SA's are interested in rugby? Don't you disrespect our counties people.
@@sbok9481 Don’t let this savage drag you into his narrative … must be an ex Bell Pottinger employee! 🤔
Just a touch patronising Andrew🤘🏻🇿🇦
World Rugby needs to take a hard look at themselves. Corruption is rife. Wayne is a cheat !
@@sbok9481 10% ?? Are you drunk ?
Let's be honest. Errasmus opened a can of worms. Those involved with rugby saw this coming and he, in particular, needs to take a large chunk of the blame. Accept it.
....indeed...he must take the blame for fans threatening refs after the England vs France match and the Australia vs Ireland....
@@therealmrfishpaste I agree
Accept that refs are biased and World Rugby is corrupt.
@@thomasluke980
WR and these same refs were at the RWC in Japan. Are you suggesting that as they are so bias that along with WR that they fixed games allowing the Boks to win the tournament . Wierd how these refs were fine at the RWC then but now these same refs are bias
Or is it you only think they are bias when South Africa lose ?
@@patrickchilds2987 have you watched Rassie’s video ? Go do some research. There are plenty of videos showing clear bad calls against the Boks. We don’t lose every game or win the WC because of the ref but it does happen. Today the Boks were poor and the AB’s were far the superior team despite one or two controversial ref decisions but we were hammered by the most successful team in world sport. Their record is UNBEATABLE.
As a boks supporter, I have a love-hate relationship with WB. But any threat is an absolute no-no! Even if it was just directed at him it is not on, but family is completely off-limits.
I hope, but I'm not confident, that it wasn't Bok supporters. Whoever they were they are shitty excuses for human beings.
“Hate”?
I hope that’s hyperbole. Because I fail to see how you can “hate” a referee.
@somanytakennames I find it interesting that you read the phrase love-hate and only saw the word hate. So I will be overtly clear, yes it is hyperbole, just like the 99.9% of times that phrase is used.
@@uChakide
Can never be too sure with the way sports fans behave these days 🤷♂️
@@somanytakennames fair enough
Amazing interview and the day that Barnes leaves the game, it will be a sad day
It will be the best day ever !
I’m a kiwi we weren’t too fond of him in 2007 😂,
But water under the bridge , have no problems with him reffing our games now days , in fact I prefer him to others
We do have to remember the human element with these guys
Hi Amazing episode. I freely admit that despite following rugby (mainly England internationals) for many years I still don't understand the rules. The big attraction of the game to me was that the attitudes were a world away from say football as (and you have talked about this on this episode) the attitude was better based on respect and discipline on and off the pitch. This was the main reason I encouraged both my boys to play the game. I think that the abuse the Wayne and his wife and family have received is disgusting and totally unacceptable in any forum. I think that unfortunately there is a change in attitude throughout the game. My youngest plays at under 14s level and over the course of this season I have noticed an increase in comments from the side-lines from parents. We had a home game and the away parents were so vocal and derogatory it felt more like an away match which created an intimidated atmosphere. I live in Essex and Essex RFU have sent out a directive about this type of thing as well as abuse of officials. This s new to me and through my oldest (U18s) this is the a new-ish thing. I appreciate that this is nothing like the horrific experience of Wayne and his family but I this does show that the old values now seem to carry much less weight which is very sad and disappointing.
The podcasts are brilliant, entertaining and are increasing my understanding of the game. Thank you. Jo
🥹😭Jor thats all i can say, this team is so real its unreal. I dnt know if anyone noticed what Siya did when removing his arm bands, the one on his right hand has the following on it, JESUS and a CROSS. Before he removed it he kissed it....this is the amount of respect these guys have for their MAKER. i just love them all The LORD bless you guys and ladies real good.❤
Thanks for the very interesting conversation. What an achievement to act in 100 rugby tests as the referee. I played rugby for 26 years. That was before we had TV in South Africa. My experience of sports is that as long as the human factor is involved, mistakes will be made. With the better technology, we as TV viewers see what the TMO decides and if the decision goes against our team, we will never agree because we will all always favor our own team. Especially when it's a 50/50 game and the other team beats our own team by 3 points.
Cracking hour with three proper blokes. WB is a good ref. He should be chuffed by what he has achieved. Go well lad.
Wayne i have a huge amount of respect for you. I will draw the line when my family become involved where they are not doing your job as a ref. Wow i think it is in poor taste. You handled it well and i hope and pray we get you in the quarter finals world cup 2023 vs France since this was filmed in 2022 dec
Great referee. It’s not an easy task to ref a game and get every call correct. But this has normally, swings and round abouts in a game.
Thank you.
Wayne Barnes total respect !
Top ref. I hope they still go ahead to honour him at the stadium.
Outstanding episode.
Barnsey…. Just a matter of time before he is PM.
The guest gets to speak uninterrupted...Hask must have been red carded for this interview.
Why can't the abuse perpetrators be tracked down ?
AB fan here. Wayne is probably the finest referee going round and if England dont make the RWC 23 final then he MUST be the final referee if the ABs are in it. I have refereed Rugby and for all you know alls out there it is a BLOODY tough job. I love watching Waynes people skills in pressure situations. Ive NEVER seen or heard him raise his voice to a player. If he makes a mistake he owns up to it EVERY time. He has to go down as one of the sports greatest ever Referees. End of story.
loved this!!!
It’s so refreshing seeing a refs view of things. And we rugby fans community are treading that fine line between us and football fans far to much of late. Yes be passionate yes support but the booing during the anthems Hakka and personal threats to the wife and children of a ref is unacceptable 😢and heart breaking ❤️🩹 we are not football!!!!
Love Wayne, he is friendly and speak to captains as equals rather than school master tone……players get that….and as fans we get that…..the way he calls on Siya, you would think they’re mates for years….
Wayne, thanks for your wonderful career - I have enjoyed your refereeing / sense of humour etc almost as much as the games. Best wishes to you and your family !
There are many things the governing bodies could do about this kind of social media abuse ! Here are some suggestions: ban individuals from international matches for a period / life, from all profesional rugby matches and in serious cases ban them from playing competitive rugby, publish their names (with a short statement of why and links to more details) on an annual black list, announce their ban on their social media feeds (Yes plural) for all their customers, employers, colleagues, friends and family to see. Let them appeal through a show tribunal streamed from the IRB / relevant governing body website !
So sorry to hear what you’ve had to contend with Barnesy. And although none of us is perfect, the game owes you and your fellow Refs a huge debt.
I hope - although I am far from convinced - that all Rugby administrations worldwide will form up behind you to oppose modern day “virtual” thuggery wherever they find it.
Wayne did a excellent job during the World Cup as did the whole team ! Now if only the players could get it right especially Owen Farrell who shows no respect ! Congratulations !
How would you police and assess players respect in the game ? Rule 9 in the law book covers this Refs like Nigel Owen’s and Wayne Barnes speak highly of Owen Farrell and don’t consider him disrespectful. How would that appease fans such as yourself who are upset by him ?
Wayne Barnes great referee explains why he has come to his decisions on the pitch, he can only ref what he sees. Dont let these wrong uns be the victors, merry xmas to all on the pod cast and have a great new year.
Great discussion and lots that could be taken and acted on, genuine top referee and top man. Can't imagine what kind of sad person would threaten anyone over a refereeing decision - not real rugby fans. Rules do need attention, they need reducing and simplifying, genuine opportunity to blow at virtually every ruck, maul, scrum and line-out. No wonder the viewer / fan can find fault with refereeing decisions.
One of the better referees in the game today along with Jaco Peyper
Very sad to hear the abuse that Wayne and his family have received. Wishing you all the best, Wayne. Awesome referee.
Great show.
On a side note, can you ask Ben where he got his jumper from? Asking for me not a friend
❤ you Wayne
A great perspective, wow not ok at all on any level, ever. Great point Ben, it isn't just rugby, the world is angry and abusive atm, sorry for your family Wayne and Polly
I think the biggest problem is there is too many rules for the referees to adjudicate. And so much is so fast it’s a lucky coin toss which rule to pick up or should you call every rule is the other problem
Alex and the team, I always find your show and discussions out the top draw and this episode was no different. I love rugby and everything it represents and I'm really saddened to hear what Wayne had to say and as a South African, I'm really sorry that happened and there are no excuses for that kind of behaviour. We are proud of our heritage as a nation but I'm not proud of the arrogance and stupidity displayed by part of our population who can't think beyond themselves. Without making excuses and honestly trying not to wear my green and gold glasses, maybe because we are on the tip of Africa and news travels here slowly but world rugby seems to sit in glass towers and some of the real issues are not been addressed and it's leading to a lot of frustrations boiling over. If we were crying over losing world cups etc then perhaps everyone outside of SA has a case. A lot of the frustrations stem from the B&I Lions tour and it seems like no one recognises the shots fired by Warren Gatland with a silencer on his gun but everyone heard Rassie's and the punishment dished out backs up what I'm saying. There was a man who once said, he who is without sin, cast the first stone.
For the last 2 years as I've listened to podcasts on rugby from across the globe, Rassie is referenced regularly in a negative light but everyone acknowledges the problems that exist with WR but nothing seems to change and if it is, then WR needs to get a public liaison officer who is briefing the rugby community. When things aren't dealt with properly, frustrations become louder and clearer and in this case, the controversy doesn't go away.
That's just not on! Big respect to Mr Barnes 👊🏻🏴
As a 79 year old I have always loved the game of rugby and its ethos of respect for those refereeing the game and the camaraderie between players and fans. It is something to be valued and safeguarded. However with the lowering standards of behaviour in society in general it is more important than ever not to allow this to creep into the game with some players beginning to question decisions and showing dissent to referees and shouting at them to give yellow or red cards. It may only happen on some occasions at the moment but it is like rust acting on metal, its only surface damage at first but if left it eats into the core and destroys the whole structure . Only World Rugby has the can of " Cure Rust " and they need to start applying it.
When asking the question, "Who is the best ref in world rugby?", Wayne Barnes has to be in the shortlist. And here we are, him looking like he's been slapped, and immense pressure being put on him through social media. This is a direct attempt to skew the game, to make referees too scared to make the difficult decisions with certain teams.
Yes, northern and Sothern referees interpret the rules *slightly* differently, but you look at Wayne against a quality southern referee like Nick Berry they're going to ref the game almost identically.. just with a slight difference on emphasis. We have to learn to believe that these elite international refs are highly trained and dedicated to the job they so. So often I've thought the ref got it wrong, then we see another camera angle and yes.. the expert got it right... on first sight, without a replay. Jaco did that all the time. The young Georgian ref Nika Amashukeli is quickly proving his accuracy and fast learning the value of keeping a game moving.
We need to learn to appreciate the refs or the only refs left will not be as good as these guys.
Please increase the volume, enjoy your chats, when they are audible.
I’m only part way through this and I am raging!!!
I am sickened and astonished that rugby’s fans have reached such an appallingly low level.
I don’t always agree with WB’s decisions but there’s a reason he’s the most capped referee in the game.
I was fairly disappointed by the reaction on Twitter, but also not surprised. It's well known that some of your most vocal and nasty individuals lurk around there and lashing out behind anonymous pseudonyms.
I do believe Rassie has learned from this, many see him as a rugby messiah and will support him a bit too fervently.
Sorry that it had to come to this. Hopefully we'll go back to some sort of normality soon.
The elephant in the room remains, however, with Laporte's recent condemnation only fueling the fire. WR is far too opaque in its systems, with referees being fed to the wolves, especially when 50/50 decisions are being made.
Thanks to all the referees for braving it out there, more support from TMO/sidelines and clarity needed overall IMO.
I have got to say that Wayne has got a LOT better in recent years but that comes with experience in my opinion congrats on the 100 caps
Wayne Barnes is an absolute chap.
bet the negative comments
are all hiding
when you bring family in that is criminal
They are not rudgy fans.
sorry Wayne.
We have to accept that the way rugby was traditionally supported and now on mediA and especially social media has changed. Social media now allows anyone to post with complete anonymity abuse and even personal threats to players, coaches , refs anyone in their sights .
It is a acceptable for some to now ignore the set due process in disciplinary proceedings, referring decisions and process and gleefully instead attack the individuals. This Curry Bongi incident is a perfect example of this.
Ironically I have no doubt that many of these fans will reaffirm the superiority of the rugby as a game over other sports like football because it is built on its own unique core values. Sadly the reality is that core values in the game for example like respect to players and the ref may be covered in rule 9 of the laws of the game but they seemingly no longer apply off the pitch to rugby fans who profess to love the game . Very sad
I'm sure those threats are really nothing to worry about. The pathetic Keyboard warriors who made them probably sh1t themselves just crossing the road. I can't imagine how utterly lacking their lives must be to want to do something like that. Sad.
even if you believe a threat will never be actually acted on it is still unbelievably distressing to receive especially if it is targeted at your loved ones
Great episode. WB has become one of the great refs in the world. No one should have to put up with abuse for simply doing their job.
Great ? He is biased and the worst ref ever !