What do you think?
Rate this book
Throwing the Book
Wayne Barnes - one of the most-experienced international referees in history and criminal barrister to boot - uniquely lifts the lid on a lifetime of trying to keep the biggest names in the sport on best behaviour.There aren't many people who can say they've been the thirty-first man on the pitch during a World Cup humdinger, Grand Slam decider or Premiership and European Cup final; listened to the sobs of a 20-stone prop as he tries to belt out his national anthem; heard the crunch of bones after some of the mightiest hits known to the game; or been yards away from the greatest players of the last twenty years, doing almost impossible things with a rugby ball - especially when you're a working-class lad from the Forest of Dean, wondering how you ever got there in the first place.Candid, humble and warmly told, Throwing the Book is a definitive account of what it means to be a rugby referee and a love letter to the sport that has provided Wayne with so much. Covering his childhood days, family life, career highs and lows, side-step into law, as well as what's next in store for Wayne both on and off the pitch, this book reveals the man behind the referee for the very first time.Serious when it needs to be, but also rich in good humour and humanity, Throwing the Book is a memoir to remember.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2023
28 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 22, 2023
"Wayne Barnes' 'Throwing the Book' is an immersive journey into the world behind the whistle, providing a detailed account of the process leading up to officiating the World Cup final. As a reader, I found it difficult to put the book down in the past few weeks, drawn in by Barnes' calm demeanor and professional approach, making him an admirable ambassador for the game.
The book brilliantly rebrands the role of a referee, transforming it from a mere 'policeman on the field' to an aspirational position. Barnes' narrative not only explores the intricacies of decision-making during matches but also offers a glimpse into the pressures faced on and off the pitch. His honest repertoire and dedication to the sport make 'Throwing the Book' a must-read for players, coaches, and fans.
Barnes emerges not only as a respected figure in the rugby world but as a role model due to his illustrious career and thoughtful understanding of the profession. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone seeking a profound insight into the referee's crucial role in making rugby the thrilling spectacle we all love."
The book brilliantly rebrands the role of a referee, transforming it from a mere 'policeman on the field' to an aspirational position. Barnes' narrative not only explores the intricacies of decision-making during matches but also offers a glimpse into the pressures faced on and off the pitch. His honest repertoire and dedication to the sport make 'Throwing the Book' a must-read for players, coaches, and fans.
Barnes emerges not only as a respected figure in the rugby world but as a role model due to his illustrious career and thoughtful understanding of the profession. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone seeking a profound insight into the referee's crucial role in making rugby the thrilling spectacle we all love."
February 13, 2024
“This one time, at referees camp…”
A bit too after-dinner-speech at times with tale after tale of various rugby stars he’s had pints with, but very insightful to some parts of the rugby world most fans wouldn’t recognise!
A bit too after-dinner-speech at times with tale after tale of various rugby stars he’s had pints with, but very insightful to some parts of the rugby world most fans wouldn’t recognise!
October 4, 2024
One of the more enjoyable rugby-centric autobiographies!
December 31, 2023
If you are a rugby fan (and I am), you must have huge respect for Wayne Barnes. "Barnsey" has just retired after refereeing 111 Tests (international matches), his last match being the World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand this autumn. You only get to ref that many important matches by being good at your job, and he was good... really, really good. Likely the best ever.
This book is his story of his rugby career, and it should be said that it feels like a rush job, launched to coincide with the announcement of his retirement. They didn't even wait to include the narrative of that last World Cup final. It seems to lack adequate structure, and is repetitive. You get a sense of the stress the poor hack hired to write the thing was under, to get the book out on time. "Just tell me some more amusing anecdotes, please, Barnsey."
That it isn't just funny stories is a credit to Barnes, because he tackles some of the dark and disturbing sides of being a professional referee (and I'm sure that these are not peculiar to rugby), using his platform to talk about these issues more explicitly. He has made significant sacrifices for his career.
One surprise, to me at least, is that he is a bit of a "rugger-bugger"; he chronicles the inordinate drinking culture as a very willing participant. He glosses over some of the gratuitous violence.
I do find him to be a peculiar character, with his analytical and logical side seeming to mask his emotional side - you see this on the pitch, and you feel it in the book. "Polly will tell you that I never really displayed any negative or positive emotions connected to a game of rugby for the whole time we have been married." "The fact that I was able to remain so unflustered before big games made Polly wonder if I was a psychopath." It is worrying.
There is no doubt that he is a huge fan of the game, such a big fan that he dedicates 20 years of his life to being a referee encumbered with all the downsides. One hopes that he will be able to use his leverage and intellect to help make necessary changes for the betterment of the sport.
This book is his story of his rugby career, and it should be said that it feels like a rush job, launched to coincide with the announcement of his retirement. They didn't even wait to include the narrative of that last World Cup final. It seems to lack adequate structure, and is repetitive. You get a sense of the stress the poor hack hired to write the thing was under, to get the book out on time. "Just tell me some more amusing anecdotes, please, Barnsey."
That it isn't just funny stories is a credit to Barnes, because he tackles some of the dark and disturbing sides of being a professional referee (and I'm sure that these are not peculiar to rugby), using his platform to talk about these issues more explicitly. He has made significant sacrifices for his career.
One surprise, to me at least, is that he is a bit of a "rugger-bugger"; he chronicles the inordinate drinking culture as a very willing participant. He glosses over some of the gratuitous violence.
I do find him to be a peculiar character, with his analytical and logical side seeming to mask his emotional side - you see this on the pitch, and you feel it in the book. "Polly will tell you that I never really displayed any negative or positive emotions connected to a game of rugby for the whole time we have been married." "The fact that I was able to remain so unflustered before big games made Polly wonder if I was a psychopath." It is worrying.
There is no doubt that he is a huge fan of the game, such a big fan that he dedicates 20 years of his life to being a referee encumbered with all the downsides. One hopes that he will be able to use his leverage and intellect to help make necessary changes for the betterment of the sport.
February 12, 2025
Wayne Barnes is arguably one of the best referees rugby has ever had and gives a good account of his career in this book. As one would expect, he underplays his ability throughout and gives a slight impression that from the age of 15 he 'bumbled through', steadily learning on the job and this continued into his international career.
An example of how he changed refereeing is that he learned French to be fairer to their team, he underplays this by questioning whether French in a Forest of Dean accent is of any help but listening to matches it clearly does, even if he did once instruct them to put it into the washing machine rather than the scrum!
My one gripe with the book is that Wayne tries too hard to show he is one of the lads with details of numerous drinking sessions and bonding with the players. It's minor and it is important to show that he interacted with players to learn more.
Where this book is important is the warning about the need for referees to be respected and encouraged. In 2007 he refereed New Zealand and France and missed a forward pass in a critical French score. Pre-TMO this would have been common as chasing a breakaway it is difficult to see the line of the pass, nevertheless the New Zealand public were unforgiving and he was a virtual pariah for many years. The Wayne Barnes urinal in a pub in Christchurch being one of the more tolerable incarnations of this.
Social media has made this far worse and the threats, including death threats, issued have gone beyond Barnes himself to his redoubtable wife, Polly, and his two children.
Apart from the fact that he is a fully qualified barrister and needed to develop that career, one of the key reasons for his retirement, after more than a 100 caps and at just 44, is the impact of the game on his family.
Everyone involved in rugby needs to read and understand this, games cannot take place without referees. When I played the game respect for the ref was at the centre of the game and it needs to return to that. From the top of the game, take note World Rugby and the RFU to grassroots this needs to be made clear.
I'm sure it is coming but it would have been nice to have heard about the 2023 World Cup, especially given the outcome of the final!
An example of how he changed refereeing is that he learned French to be fairer to their team, he underplays this by questioning whether French in a Forest of Dean accent is of any help but listening to matches it clearly does, even if he did once instruct them to put it into the washing machine rather than the scrum!
My one gripe with the book is that Wayne tries too hard to show he is one of the lads with details of numerous drinking sessions and bonding with the players. It's minor and it is important to show that he interacted with players to learn more.
Where this book is important is the warning about the need for referees to be respected and encouraged. In 2007 he refereed New Zealand and France and missed a forward pass in a critical French score. Pre-TMO this would have been common as chasing a breakaway it is difficult to see the line of the pass, nevertheless the New Zealand public were unforgiving and he was a virtual pariah for many years. The Wayne Barnes urinal in a pub in Christchurch being one of the more tolerable incarnations of this.
Social media has made this far worse and the threats, including death threats, issued have gone beyond Barnes himself to his redoubtable wife, Polly, and his two children.
Apart from the fact that he is a fully qualified barrister and needed to develop that career, one of the key reasons for his retirement, after more than a 100 caps and at just 44, is the impact of the game on his family.
Everyone involved in rugby needs to read and understand this, games cannot take place without referees. When I played the game respect for the ref was at the centre of the game and it needs to return to that. From the top of the game, take note World Rugby and the RFU to grassroots this needs to be made clear.
I'm sure it is coming but it would have been nice to have heard about the 2023 World Cup, especially given the outcome of the final!
November 29, 2023
I’m one of thousands of Rugby fans who thought Wayne Barnes was a ‘posh twat’ (as he puts it). Not that I didn’t admire his refereeing skills. He’s been one of the best Rugby Union referees in the world for a number of years and a worthy successor to the great Nigel Owens. But he came from a working class background, attended an ordinary state comprehensive school and studied law at the University of East Anglia not from institutions like Oxford and Durham which were full of posh twats (as he puts it!)
His story is, in many ways, inspiring as he arose from humble roots to become a great Rugby referee and a qualified. Barrister. Though he doesn’t push this hard in the book, the truth is he wanted to be a top referee and a barrister and he quietly and determinedly set about achieving those goals.
There are lots of moments of great humour and I laughed out loud frequently. But there are darker moments which throw the lot of the referee into clearer perspective. Like all rugby referees, he sometimes struggled with the frequent changes in the Laws of the Game imposed by World Rugby, the governing body of the sport, often at short notice.
Then there’s the additional challenge posed by the introduction of video replays, the TMO in Rugby Union VAR in football and so on. Because he had a desire to let the game flow, matches in which he was involved were often fast and exciting.
Wayne Barnes retired from refereeing after reaching the pinnacle of his career by taking charge of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final and is now a full-time barrister. Those of us who follow the game should, and almost certainly are, grateful to him for his contribution to the sport over more than twenty years. Throwing the Book is a fitting testament to him.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War, The Summer of’39 (all published by Sacristy Press) and Ordinary Heroes (published by I M Books).
His story is, in many ways, inspiring as he arose from humble roots to become a great Rugby referee and a qualified. Barrister. Though he doesn’t push this hard in the book, the truth is he wanted to be a top referee and a barrister and he quietly and determinedly set about achieving those goals.
There are lots of moments of great humour and I laughed out loud frequently. But there are darker moments which throw the lot of the referee into clearer perspective. Like all rugby referees, he sometimes struggled with the frequent changes in the Laws of the Game imposed by World Rugby, the governing body of the sport, often at short notice.
Then there’s the additional challenge posed by the introduction of video replays, the TMO in Rugby Union VAR in football and so on. Because he had a desire to let the game flow, matches in which he was involved were often fast and exciting.
Wayne Barnes retired from refereeing after reaching the pinnacle of his career by taking charge of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final and is now a full-time barrister. Those of us who follow the game should, and almost certainly are, grateful to him for his contribution to the sport over more than twenty years. Throwing the Book is a fitting testament to him.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War, The Summer of’39 (all published by Sacristy Press) and Ordinary Heroes (published by I M Books).
November 19, 2023
As a passionate rugby fan, I found this book extremely interesting but very sad. A must read for any rugby fan interested in how the game operates behind closed doors.
I’ve always enjoyed watching games officiated by Barnes for not only his high levels of accuracy but also his great communication.
Therefore, I found it very distressing to hear of the abuse that he’s received over the years. In particular, how many times he’s thought about quitting and what a huge loss that would have been and now is to the game.
I think broadcasters & journalists have to get better and some clearly need to learn the laws of the game – before attacking the officials. I don’t know if pundits are told to say some of the stupid things they say for entertainment or if after years of being in the profession – just don’t understand it? In some cases the more ridiculous they are, the more airtime they get!
If officiating is ever going to get better World Rugby need to do more to educate people on the game. They should start with being honest about the quality of the refereeing talent pool. The fact that some unions are way behind others when it comes to developing refereeing talent. Above all, be honest and tell fans that their officials aren’t perfect, will make mistakes and that’s its just an accepted part of our sport.
World Rugby also have a duty to stand up and protect their referees far better . International coaches using their platforms to attack referees is utterly unacceptable. Yet based on the toothless sections World Rugby give out, they are clearly unwilling to defend their referees.
I’ve always enjoyed watching games officiated by Barnes for not only his high levels of accuracy but also his great communication.
Therefore, I found it very distressing to hear of the abuse that he’s received over the years. In particular, how many times he’s thought about quitting and what a huge loss that would have been and now is to the game.
I think broadcasters & journalists have to get better and some clearly need to learn the laws of the game – before attacking the officials. I don’t know if pundits are told to say some of the stupid things they say for entertainment or if after years of being in the profession – just don’t understand it? In some cases the more ridiculous they are, the more airtime they get!
If officiating is ever going to get better World Rugby need to do more to educate people on the game. They should start with being honest about the quality of the refereeing talent pool. The fact that some unions are way behind others when it comes to developing refereeing talent. Above all, be honest and tell fans that their officials aren’t perfect, will make mistakes and that’s its just an accepted part of our sport.
World Rugby also have a duty to stand up and protect their referees far better . International coaches using their platforms to attack referees is utterly unacceptable. Yet based on the toothless sections World Rugby give out, they are clearly unwilling to defend their referees.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2024
I listened to the Little, Brown Audio audiobook version of Throwing the Book by Wayne Barnes and Ben Dirs, narrated by Rich Kebble and Wayne Barnes. This one is 5 ⭐️ from me.
I absolutely loved this. This is Wayne Barnes, veteran referee with over 100 international tests under his belt, finally getting to tell his story, and he does it in a genuinely charming way.
We got everything: Barnes’ humour, great rugby stories that feel like ones you’d get in any clubhouse (but with more famous names), genuine (and completely correct) complaints about World Rugby and their lack of support for referees, and a frank discussion of how media, and coaches’ and players’ words to the media, can really impact referees and their families both professionally and personally. It felt like Barnes was finally getting to be honest and say his piece, which as a pro ref he’s never been able to do before – but it also felt like a goodbye to a very highly respected servant of the game.
I think the blend of anecdotes, humour, criticism and dark honesty in place was brilliant and really gripping. My only criticism is that it would have been nice to have a final chapter written after his RWC Final instead of ending right before it.
The narrator was brilliant, and it felt like a very natural chat which I really liked.
I’d recommend this particularly to northern hemisphere fans (because he does talk more about particularly English players from the Premiership) who want (or need) an eye opener to the life of a referee at the top level of the game.
I absolutely loved this. This is Wayne Barnes, veteran referee with over 100 international tests under his belt, finally getting to tell his story, and he does it in a genuinely charming way.
We got everything: Barnes’ humour, great rugby stories that feel like ones you’d get in any clubhouse (but with more famous names), genuine (and completely correct) complaints about World Rugby and their lack of support for referees, and a frank discussion of how media, and coaches’ and players’ words to the media, can really impact referees and their families both professionally and personally. It felt like Barnes was finally getting to be honest and say his piece, which as a pro ref he’s never been able to do before – but it also felt like a goodbye to a very highly respected servant of the game.
I think the blend of anecdotes, humour, criticism and dark honesty in place was brilliant and really gripping. My only criticism is that it would have been nice to have a final chapter written after his RWC Final instead of ending right before it.
The narrator was brilliant, and it felt like a very natural chat which I really liked.
I’d recommend this particularly to northern hemisphere fans (because he does talk more about particularly English players from the Premiership) who want (or need) an eye opener to the life of a referee at the top level of the game.
January 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. As an avid rugby fan this was a truly insightful story, from a perspective often ignored. To hear about some of the biggest rugby games in the last 20 years from the referee’s perspective was really interesting to me.
This book also humanises the role of referee’s and shoes they are normal human beings form normal backgrounds which people often forget. The abuse in the book received by the referees is awful as is the way world rugby handled it. I hope this book spread awareness and maybe next time the online troll starts to write something maybe they will take a moment to think.
Wayne Barnes is a brilliant man from his childhood through to his law career and refereeing. I think he is one of the best referees world rugby has had and I hope he enjoys his retirement. I also hold out the hope his work with world rugby will make the game better for players, fans and referees. Remember as much as we all love rugby, it is just a game.
This book also humanises the role of referee’s and shoes they are normal human beings form normal backgrounds which people often forget. The abuse in the book received by the referees is awful as is the way world rugby handled it. I hope this book spread awareness and maybe next time the online troll starts to write something maybe they will take a moment to think.
Wayne Barnes is a brilliant man from his childhood through to his law career and refereeing. I think he is one of the best referees world rugby has had and I hope he enjoys his retirement. I also hold out the hope his work with world rugby will make the game better for players, fans and referees. Remember as much as we all love rugby, it is just a game.
February 12, 2024
As a rugby referee and a follower of Barnsey through the years, it is eye opening to see his career and the game of rugby through his eyes.
This book puts a person in the boots of the referee that many rugby fans have seen on the pitch or their TV screens through the years. Being able to see his rise, growth and struggles through his career puts a human face to the man.
One thing I really appreciated was being able to see his blunt and true thoughts to approaching the games and how World Rugby handles law changes. He is not afraid to hold back and say it how it is.
It is a shame that this was finished before the RWC 2023, would love to have an addendum or addition to the book regarding his last foray into the world of international rugby and all that the tournament had to offer (outside of Whistleblowers).
This book puts a person in the boots of the referee that many rugby fans have seen on the pitch or their TV screens through the years. Being able to see his rise, growth and struggles through his career puts a human face to the man.
One thing I really appreciated was being able to see his blunt and true thoughts to approaching the games and how World Rugby handles law changes. He is not afraid to hold back and say it how it is.
It is a shame that this was finished before the RWC 2023, would love to have an addendum or addition to the book regarding his last foray into the world of international rugby and all that the tournament had to offer (outside of Whistleblowers).
February 18, 2024
This is certainly one of the best sports memoirs I’ve read. Not only talking about times I watched attended or thought deeply about bit also doesn’t pull punches as so many often do and also gave the other side to stories I watched unfold live. Great stuff. Wayne’s story is one that is both entertaining and informative and shows a humanity not seen before. The guy in the middle is as I was always taught to be respected and not questioned - and after all is said and done it’s rugby and devotees have to hold themselves to account if they comment. Stuff goes wrong but they aren’t doing it to deliberately piss it all up. I will look differently at the game and speak out about anyone who slags the ref off again for sure. I would recommend getting Wayne involved in some higher strategic level of rugby if the sport possibly can do it his insight would be invaluable. Read this book rugby fans.
February 5, 2024
An excellent (sporting) autobiography, one of the best I've read.
Wayne Barnes has refereed over one hundred Internations and five hundred other games at all levels and opens up over the difficulties Referees face both on and off the pitch.
A truthful, amusing and thoughtful account of his life being a top class Referee and a Barrister as well as Husband and father to two young children.
I, and you will be, was amazed at the abuse on Social media including death threats and the lame support offered to referees by World Rugby; both have to change.
A very enjoyable and informative read.
Wayne Barnes has refereed over one hundred Internations and five hundred other games at all levels and opens up over the difficulties Referees face both on and off the pitch.
A truthful, amusing and thoughtful account of his life being a top class Referee and a Barrister as well as Husband and father to two young children.
I, and you will be, was amazed at the abuse on Social media including death threats and the lame support offered to referees by World Rugby; both have to change.
A very enjoyable and informative read.
February 25, 2024
I had this book bought for me, and although a rugby fan, I wouldn’t normally have picked it up. However, I’m glad I read it. Lots of little pieces of intriguing information to keep me interested. A biography of sorts this is not. Each chapter is titled, and the book flows backwards and forwards between years.
It is also Wayne Barnes the rugby man. Not the barrister and not the family man. A little bit me me me, look at all these important people I know, and it seems strange that a book to be launched after his retirement, doesn’t include anything about the 2023 Rugby World Cup in. Rushed out for Christmas no doubt.
It is also Wayne Barnes the rugby man. Not the barrister and not the family man. A little bit me me me, look at all these important people I know, and it seems strange that a book to be launched after his retirement, doesn’t include anything about the 2023 Rugby World Cup in. Rushed out for Christmas no doubt.
November 24, 2025
My wife and I are big rugby fans. One of the reasons we enjoy the sport so much is the way the officiating is conducted and Wayne Barnes was always our favorite referee. He was clearly in charge of each match and masterfully maintained order. During one Gallagher Premiership rugby match when a player attempted to engage in a debate over a call, Barnes simply looked the player in the eye and calmly but firmly stated “This is not a conversation.”
In “Throwing the Book” Barnes relates his journey as a rugby referee and an English barrister, offering his insights into the behind-the-scenes activities of Premiership, Six Nations, and World Cup rugby. It’s an enjoyable read for any rugby fan!
In “Throwing the Book” Barnes relates his journey as a rugby referee and an English barrister, offering his insights into the behind-the-scenes activities of Premiership, Six Nations, and World Cup rugby. It’s an enjoyable read for any rugby fan!
September 9, 2025
Honest, well written, insightful book
After reading Nigel Owen’s book I picked this up. This is far superior
The quality of the writing- better support from Ben maybe - better organised, not as repetitive
The insight into the challenges of a referee is very interesting as a huge fan of the sport.
After reading Nigel Owen’s book I picked this up. This is far superior
The quality of the writing- better support from Ben maybe - better organised, not as repetitive
The insight into the challenges of a referee is very interesting as a huge fan of the sport.
October 13, 2025
I enjoyed 'Throwing the Book' in parts but it's a bit too stream of consciousness for my liking. It's a rush of anecdotes (and there are too many of the drinking variety) and complaints about various rugby authorities randomly changing the rules. It needs more structure, clarity and a fair amount of pruning.
November 19, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, being a rugby player myself I can relate to Wayne's ealry rugby club days, especially the drinking the culture 🤣
Book gives very interesting insight how World Rugby & IRB is ran, how TMO can be manipulated to pressure referrees to making calls to benefit which ever team.
Book gives very interesting insight how World Rugby & IRB is ran, how TMO can be manipulated to pressure referrees to making calls to benefit which ever team.
December 1, 2024
Excellent book with good insight behind the biggest games that Wayne refereed. Was glad that Wayne touched on the politics of the game, which unless addressed, will ruin the chances of a young up and coming referee.
November 29, 2023
what a great book, i have long been a fan of Barnsey and to learn more about him was great about
his insights into the game are great , well worth a read
his insights into the game are great , well worth a read
December 31, 2023
Not bad, not so sure about the rugby club stories but did make me feel more sorry for referees.
January 13, 2024
Pompous twat
January 25, 2024
Articulate, honest and interesting account, not only of his career but of how World Rugby needs to do better. A must read for any rugby fan!
April 8, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
Interesting, rugby has issues of dissent and respect issues, just as football does. Referees of any sport deserve better treatment. We have no game without them.
Interesting, rugby has issues of dissent and respect issues, just as football does. Referees of any sport deserve better treatment. We have no game without them.
June 3, 2024
It's absorbing, but too many rugby clichés for my liking..could have been so much more insightful if Ghost written by Donald McRae.
June 5, 2024
Quality read. Wayne speaks very honestly and is more than open. Great book.
July 9, 2024
A really interesting account of what it's like to be a top level Rugby referee.
May 26, 2025
Audible Version. Felt very brief, disappeared in a flash. What’s in there is certainly good however.
June 13, 2025
Not exactly a page turner, but this sort of ref biography should be required reading for anyone who watches sport. I know I certainly react a lot more differently after reading this.
August 27, 2025
great insight into a remarkable career
Loved the read. Highlights how referrers have a tough job. Also talks about how to build respect and that is essential for any budding ref
Loved the read. Highlights how referrers have a tough job. Also talks about how to build respect and that is essential for any budding ref
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews