In quite an intriguing synthesis of legal and sports arenas, Biglaw partner Wayne Barnes will be serving as a referee at the Rugby World Cup final. Barnes, who demonstrates a laudable work-life balance, is a partner at the London office of Squire Patton Boggs and an international rugby union referee in his leisure time.
Handpicked for the honor of overseeing his first World Cup final, Barnes carries an impressive resume of rugby assignments. His experience includes refereeing at the 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 tournaments, partaking in these events from the young age of 28. As reported by The Sun, his responsibilities at France 2023 have included officiating five matches, among them the gripping New Zealand quarter-final victory over Ireland.
Upon learning of his selection for the World Cup final, an elated Barnes shared on his Twitter profile, “It is the greatest honour of my career to be given the responsibility of refereeing a Rugby World Cup final 2023.”
We offer our congratulations to Wayne Barnes and wish him the best of luck on the pitch. This is quite the auspicious example for professionals striving to marry their professional careers with personal passions. Learn more about Barnes and his dual career path on Above the Law.