Wayne Barnes named 2019 World Rugby Referee of the Year

At this evening’s World Rugby Awards in Tokyo, England’s Wayne Barnes picked up the World Rugby Referee Award for 2019.

The 40-year-old is one of the most experienced referees of all time, having taken charge of his 90th test on Friday with the bronze final in Tokyo at the end of his fourth Rugby World Cup. A fantastic communicator on the field, and a husband, father, part-time barrister and trial advocate in London off it, Barnes has been an international referee for 13 years. With an attention to detail that is first-class, he is a great team player and leader who is always willing to help others learn.

Others in the mix were Jérôme Garcès (France), Nigel Owens (Wales) and Jaco Peyper (South Africa).

Elsewhere, South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit and England’s Emily Scarratt were named World Rugby Men’s and Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2019. Team of the Year went, unsurprisingly, to South Africa with their coach Rassie Erasmus taking the Coach of the Year gong.

Congratulations to everyone!

2019 World Rugby Award winners

World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, in association with Mastercard – Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, in association with Mastercard – Emily Scarratt (England)
World Rugby Team of the Year – South Africa
World Rugby Coach of the Year – Rassie Erasmus (South Africa)
World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in association with Tudor – Romain Ntamack (France)
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Ruby Tui (New Zealand)
World Rugby Referee Award – Wayne Barnes (England)
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Bernard Lapasset (France)
Award for Character in association with Land Rover – The city of Kamaishi
IRP Special Merit Award – Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
IRP Try of the Year – TJ Perenara (New Zealand, v Namibia)