Retired referee Wayne Barnes speaks out about Johnny Sexton’s behaviour

Wayne Barnes has had many exciting rugby moments in his career.

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Although he did not referee last season’s Champions Cup final, where Johnny Sexton had heated exchanges with referee Jaco Peyper and his team after the match, Barnes has expressed strong opinions about the incident in his autobiography ‘Throwing the Book’.

He began: “Further proof that the authorities do not stand behind referees and seem to make things up on the spot was the incident between Johnny Sexton and Jaco Peyper after the 2023 Champions Cup final, which La Rochelle won against Leinster.

“Leinster’s Sexton, who was not playing because he was injured, ran onto the pitch and cursed at Jaco and his linesmen, Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley. You could clearly see he was going off the rails as Jaco stood on the podium to receive his medal and you didn’t have to be a lip reader to know that what he said was not particularly pleasant, to say the least.”

“When we asked, Jaco and his team said they hadn’t heard anything,” Barnes continued.

“European Rugby didn’t believe them, but Jaco and his team were unwilling to put their names to statements because they had no confidence that European Rugby would protect them.

“European Rugby promised them that their names would not be mentioned and said it would write a statement on their behalf (you would be torn apart in the criminal justice system if you did that), but when the time came to prosecute Sexton, their names and quotes were all over the transcripts of the verdict. (For the record, Sexton was given a three-match ban, which made him available for Ireland’s opening match of the World Cup.) As you can imagine, Jaco and his team felt let down, and I don’t blame them.”

American website ranks the 100 best rugby players in the world, Owen Farrell 32nd

English rugby players are making waves in the international rankings and showing their diverse talents on the pitch. Despite the absence of Maro Itoje, several English stars have earned their place.

Alex Mitchell, a capable scrumhalf, is ranked 96th and shows his tactical acumen. George Furbank, versatile in multiple backline roles, follows in 93rd. Marcus Smith, a dynamic flyhalf, impresses in 82nd, while Immanuel Feyi-Waboso brings pace and skill in 81st.

In the forwards, Jamie George, known for his prowess in set pieces, is ranked 68th. Jack Willis, a formidable back-rower with a flair for turnovers, is ranked 49th and Ben Earl, another versatile back-rower, is ranked 15th, highlighting England’s depth and strength in several positions.

Check out their full list here:

100. Uini Antonio – France – Prop

99. Dewi Lake – Wales – Whore

98. UJ Seuteni – Samoa – Centre

97. Tom Wright – Australia – Fullback

96. Alex Mitchell – England – Scrum Half

95. Jac Morgan – Wales – Back Row

94. Fletcher Newell – New Zealand

93. George Furbank – England – Utility Back

92. Duhan van der Merwe – Scotland – Winger

91. Zander Fagerson – Scotland – Prop

90. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – France – Winger

89. Julian Marchand – France – Hooker

88. Jack Conan – Ireland – Back Row

87. Michelle Lamaro – Italy – Back Row

86. Ronan Kelleher – Ireland – Hooker

85. Manie Libbok – South Africa – Flyhalf

84. Steven Kitshoff – South Africa – Prop

83. Rory Darge – Scotland – Back Row

82. Marcus Smith – England – Flyhalf

81. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – England – Winger

80. Tommy Reffell – Wales – Back Row

79. Ben Tameifuna – Tonga – Prop

78. Charles Ollivon – France – Back Row

77. Paolo Garbisi – Italy – Flyhalf

76. Sevu Reece – New Zealand – Winger

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