English rugby referee Wayne Barnes to retire after 2019 RWC

English rugby referee Wayne Barnes is set to retire after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The 39‑year‑old refereed the All Blacks' second Bledisloe Cup against the Wallabies at Eden Park last Saturday.

He told the Guardian that this season's Premiership competition in England will be his final year, as he looks to take part in his fourth and final Rugby World Cup event next year.

Barnes has refereed 81 Test matches and 200 Premiership games.

He was in charge of the All Blacks' infamous RWC 2007 quarter‑final loss against France.

Wayne Barnes gives Luke McAlister a yellow card as All Blacks captain looks on [Photo: AP/Tom Hevezi]

Barnes sinbinned All Blacks midfielder Luke McAlister in New Zealand's 20‑18 loss and missed a crucial forward pass from French first‑five Frederic Michalak, which led to the match‑winning try.

[Source: TVNZ]

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