Wayne Barnes Reveals the One Player Who Had Him "Petrified" on the Field - Ruck
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Wayne Barnes Reveals the One Player Who Had Him “Petrified” on the Field

8 November 2024
Rugby Rucker

Wayne Barnes is one of rugby’s most experienced referees, having officiated a record 111 Tests and five World Cups during his remarkable career.

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But despite his vast experience, there was one player who left him genuinely “petrified.” In his first interview since announcing his retirement, Barnes ranked some of the trickiest players he had to manage over the years.

Here’s a look at who made his list of toughest and most intimidating players to referee.

#5. Joe Marler (England)

Barnes said: “He was always a funny one on the field in a nice way. You’d be trying to tell him something serious, and he’d just want to have a laugh and a joke. But he does bring a smile to your face. That’s what’s unique about our sport—the interaction between players, refs, and coaches.”

Joe Marler Facts:

  • Joe Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex and later joined the Quins academy in 2008.
  • Known for his cheeky personality on and off the field, Marler has earned the nickname “Croissant” due to his distinctive nose.
  • Marler captained England’s U18s and represented the U20s in the Junior World Championship in 2009.
  • He’s also a podcast host, running The Joe Marler Show with Tom Fordyce.

#4. Matt Dawson (England)

Barnes said: “Scrum-halves are always the worst, especially Matt.”

Matt Dawson Facts:

  • A key member of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side, Matt Dawson won 77 caps for his country.
  • He toured with the British & Irish Lions three times, cementing his place as one of the best scrum-halves of his era.
  • Dawson is also known for his post-rugby career, including TV presenting and his role as a pundit on various rugby platforms.

#3. Martin Johnson (England)

Barnes said: “I was always petrified of Martin Johnson because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership. I remember I had to sin-bin him once and I actually apologised as I did it. I said ‘I’m very sorry I have to do this’ because he’s such a big personality. I guess he was always someone who scared me witless!”

Martin Johnson Facts:

  • Johnson captained England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, one of the most iconic moments in English rugby history.
  • A towering lock, Johnson was known for his leadership, physicality, and commanding presence on the pitch.
  • In addition to rugby, Johnson has a background in American football, having briefly played for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end.

#2. Andy Goode (England)

Barnes said: “He always made me smile as he made me look athletic when we were on the same pitch. However, the humorous players always keep you on your toes, and if they get an opportunity to pick you up on a slight faux pas, they will.”

Andy Goode Facts:

  • Goode enjoyed an 18-year professional career, playing over 400 games and scoring more than 4,000 points.
  • Known for his sharp wit, Goode was also a key member of England’s squad during the early 2000s and was part of their 2003 World Cup-winning group.
  • After retiring from rugby, Goode has remained involved in the sport as a pundit and commentator.

#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Barnes said: “I’ve been on the field with some of the great captains, John Smit, Sam Warburton, and Richie McCaw. Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out, and so when he asked a question, he often had a point.”

Richie McCaw Facts:

  • McCaw’s ancestry traces back to Scotland, and he is an accomplished bagpipe player, honoring his great-great-grandfather’s roots.
  • Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in rugby history, McCaw captained New Zealand to victory in two Rugby World Cups (2011 and 2015).
  • He holds the record for the most test match wins as a captain and is a three-time World Rugby Player of the Year.
  • Outside of rugby, McCaw has pursued a career in helicopter piloting, and he’s also a director at Christchurch Helicopters.

Editors picks:

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