Polly Barnes, who is married to Wayne Barnes, has recently been the center of attention due to the Rugby World Cup final. After refereeing the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa, Wayne Barnes faced social media threats, leading to his retirement on November 2, 2023. The couple, who have been friends since childhood, only started dating in their mid-20s. They are now happily married and proud parents of two children.
Wayne Barnes, a former English international rugby union referee, was born on April 20, 1979, in Bream, Gloucestershire. His refereeing career began at the age of 15 with Gloucester & District Referees, and by 21, he became the youngest referee to join the Panel of National Referees. Barnes has officiated in prestigious events such as the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, and Heineken Cup, despite facing criticism.
Barnes, who is also a criminal lawyer and partner at Squire Patton Boggs, is set to release his memoir “Throwing the Book” on November 9, 2023.
Meet Polly Barnes
Polly Barnes, Wayne Barnes’s lifelong partner, resides with him in London. She has been involved in rugby since childhood and is the co-founder and director of the Women’s Rugby Association. Polly Barnes was a former rugby player who had to give up the sport to pursue ballet and modern dance. The couple, who met at a young age, are now parents to Juno and Beau, their two young children.
Threats Faced by the Barnes Family
Wayne Barnes’s last match at the Rugby World Cup final was particularly challenging, leading to online harassment and insults from fans. This resulted in the referee’s decision to retire from officiating. Barnes condemned the social media abuse and emphasized the need for accountability and punishment for those who make threats against his family. He expressed his hope that his retirement would shed light on the difficulties faced by referees, helping future generations tackle similar issues.
