All Blacks lodge complaint over World Cup final officiating

Wayne Barnes, who was the most experienced referee in World Rugby, was in charge of this past weekend’s emotionally charged World Cup final – having since announced his retirement from the game.

It’s now emerged that he was apparently targeted with death threats from angry fans during the business end of the tournament in Paris, with his wife revealing as much.

One of the major question marks during the final was the decision to red card All Blacks captain Sam Cane, although this was made via the bunker review system rather than the on-field officials.

Upon review, though, it appears that the All Blacks have flagged other concerns in an official complaint sent to World Rugby.

“We’ve already sent a file into World Rugby to get them to make a few comments on,” outgoing coach Ian Foster said. “Hopefully they do.”

Asked to give specific examples of what they were unhappy with, he responded: “Oh, I think you can guess.”

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Polly Barnes, the wife of Saturday’s referee in the final and the Women’s Rugby Association co-founder, hit out at supporters who are said to have verbally abused her husband while attending the game at the Stade de France.

The Barnes family were all in attendance for the final in Paris, but his wife has suggested the occasion was overshadowed by the abuse Wayne had received over social media through Instagram and to an email address used for enquiries.

Writing on social media afterwards, Polly said: “What a vile atmosphere at the Stade de France. It’s just a game k—heads.”

She also later, wrote: “See ya later Rugby World Cup. Won’t miss you, or the death threats.”

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Barnes previously considered retiring from refereeing after online abuse

On the 2022 end-of-year tour, France claimed a thrilling 30-26 win over the Springboks, and among an array of post-match talking points, Barnes came in for widespread criticism – particularly after a number of controversial calls went against South Africa late in the game.

The result, and the Test as a spectacle, was overshadowed when Barnes awarded a crucial try to the home side, despite replays showing what appeared to be a double movement in the lead-up late in the game.

During the final 10 minutes, several other decisions went the way of France, which included a marginal Willie le Roux pass having been adjudicated to have gone forward.

Just a few hours after this game, Rassie Erasmus shared a seemingly sarcastic message on Twitter (now known as X), which said in part: “We just have to fix these fundamental errors like tackle technique and simple passing. Sorry!” The tweet from Erasmus’ social media handle of @Rassie Rugby also included a video showing Cheslin Kolbe on the receiving end of a dangerous forearm to the face early on in the game.

Erasmus continued to share tweets around this game that were deemed to be unfairly critical of officials, and ultimately led to him being banned for the final two matches of the end-of-year tour.

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Following that Springboks-France Test last year, he and his family were subjected to horrific abuse after the backlash online.

Barnes later opened up about the turmoil endured, and admitted he even considered retiring at one stage after his children even became the subjects of threats and abuse.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, Barnes opened up about the shocking abuse that was sent to him, and the threats to his wife and children.

“Criticism on social media quickly becomes abuse,” Barnes said. “That is the world we live in. That is social media. But I make the decision to be a referee, make the decision to be on social media. Polly, my wife, doesn’t make the decision to be a referee.

“On the Saturday night, there started to be some direct abuse at Polly. Then, the following two or three days, there was direct abuse to Polly, threats of sexual violence, and threats against the kids.

“That takes it to a different level. When you’ve done 100 games, you think you can prepare for most things. You can’t prepare for that…

“I don’t mind people criticising my performance and, if they want to abuse me directly, that’s their choice. But that wasn’t just a line that was crossed. You couldn’t even see the line, it had gone that far. It affects you and it affects your family.”

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Barnes has now officially announced his retirement.

Commenting on his decision, 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, particularly as online abuse and threats have become far too regular for all of those involved in the game.

“I am extremely proud that my career has spanned five Rugby World Cups, 26 Six Nations matches, three European Champions Cup finals and 10 Premiership Finals, and I’m grateful for all of those who have helped me along the way, in particular, Chris White, Tony Spreadbury, Brian Campsall, Nigel Yates and Phil Keith-Roach.

“It’s been an incredible journey.”

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You can watch the interview below: