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Pepe Sets Historic Record as Oldest Champions League Scorer

In a remarkable display of footballing prowess, Porto’s veteran defender, Pepe, etched his name into the annals of history by becoming the oldest goalscorer in the illustrious UEFA Champions League. His feat was accomplished during an intense clash against Royal Antwerp, in a Group H matchup that left football fans across the globe in awe.

Pepe’s Historic Goal

Aged 40 years and 254 days, Pepe’s journey to the record books reached its zenith when he powered in a thumping header in the 91st minute, securing his place as the first player ever to score in the Champions League after crossing the age of 40. This momentous achievement shattered the previous record held by the iconic Francesco Totti, who had been the oldest scorer at 38 years and 59 days.

However, Pepe’s accomplishment didn’t end there. He also claimed the title of the oldest outfield player to grace the Champions League, a milestone he achieved when he featured in a previous encounter against the very same Royal Antwerp team on October 25th.

A Storied Journey

Pepe’s remarkable journey through the world of football has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. His dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to the sport have allowed him to remain a formidable presence on the field well into his fourth decade of life.

It is worth noting that while Pepe’s goal-scoring feat is truly remarkable, the title of the oldest appearance maker in the Champions League belongs to Marco Ballotta. The Italian goalkeeper achieved this distinction when he was 43 years and 252 days old, during a match for Lazio against Real Madrid in December 2007.

As football continues to evolve and produce moments of sheer brilliance, Pepe’s record-breaking achievement serves as a testament to the enduring passion and talent that continues to define the sport. It stands as a source of inspiration for players of all ages and a reminder that age is but a number on the field of dreams, where records are made to be broken and legends are born.

Gerri Colombe Set for Trip Across to UK for Betfair Chase

Irish chaser Gerri Colombe ended last season as one of the leading novices on either side of the Irish Sea.

He won four of his five races, with his only defeat coming in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival where he finished second to The Real Whacker, going by a short head.

Gordon Elliott’s runner is likely to feature in many of the leading 3m races this season, starting first with the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Irish horse A Plus Tard won that contest in 2021 before landing the Cheltenham Gold Cup later in the season.

If he lines up at the Lancashire racecourse, it will be his first appearance on a track in seven months. Elliott will be keeping a close eye on the weather forecast before the big race, as he will be hoping the ground is not too heavy for his horse’s seasonal reappearance.

A Big Run Expected from Elliott’s Star Chaser

Gerri Colombe has odds of 5/1 for those looking to place horse racing online bets on him for the 2023 Betfair Chase. He will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Bristol De Mai, Lostintranslation, A Plus Tard and Protektorat, horses who have all won the race at the age of seven in the last five renewals.

Elliott’s runner should have no problems with the distance at Haydock as he showed he had the stamina when winning at Aintree over the distance of three miles and one furlong in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at the Grand National Meeting back in April. He also powered up the hill at Cheltenham when falling just short in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

The Irish horse is set to face the 2022 race winner, Protektorat, who will be bidding to become just the fourth runner in history to defend their crown in the race. The three-mile contest may also include Aintree Bowl winner Shishkin as he bids for more glory over this distance for trainer Nicky Henderson.

Gold Cup the Primary Target This season

Elliott has made it clear that the Cheltenham Gold Cup will be the primary target for Gerri Colombe in the 2023/24 campaign. He has also stated that his horse is likely to run two or three times before appearing at the Cheltenham Festival in the Blue Riband event of the meeting.

Gerri Colombe also has entries in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in late November and the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Both of those races are likely to come under consideration too, as he bids to get experience against the established chasers in his division.

Elliott knows exactly what type of horse is required to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup as he did so with Don Cossack in 2016. He will be hoping his second-season chaser can emulate the horse that was also owned by Gigginstown Stud.

This year’s Betfair Chase will be the 19th running in history at Haydock. If successful, Gerri Colombe could establish himself as the early for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Olympic Movement Breaks into Irish Schools

17 October 2023; Breakdancer Leon Dwyer is pictured during a Dare to Believe Olympic Movement Breaks programme organised by The Olympic Federation of Ireland at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Sport Ireland Campus, Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***

Minister Thomas Byrne Launches Olympic Movement Breaks with Olympic Federation of Ireland

On November 7th, Minister Thomas Byrne TD, the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, unveiled the Olympic Movement Breaks in collaboration with the Olympic Federation of Ireland. This initiative, a joint effort between the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s Dare to Believe program and the Active School Flag Program, aims to provide exciting opportunities for primary school students to increase their physical activity levels.

The Olympic Movement Breaks: Promoting Physical Activity

The Olympic Movement Breaks offer an easily accessible format, featuring a series of short videos led by Olympians and High-Performance athletes, demonstrating enjoyable exercises and activities suitable for students of all abilities. These videos cover a range of sports, including athletics, boxing, rugby sevens, swimming, breakdancing, and para powerlifting, to facilitate movement opportunities within the classroom.

A Collaborative Approach: Dare to Believe and Active School Flag Program

In alignment with their shared goal of promoting the benefits of physical activity, Dare to Believe and the Active School Flag Program encourage schools to participate in a four-week “Active Break Every Day” challenge. Twelve athletes lead short, engaging exercises lasting 3 to 5 minutes, requiring no additional resources. Regular physical activity for children enhances the teaching and learning process, and following these high-performance athletes serves as an excellent way for young people to connect with Ireland’s representatives at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Empowering Teachers and Students

Teachers can access a challenge chart to track their class’s daily progress during the 4-week challenge, which runs from November 13th to December 8th. Additional resources are also available alongside the videos, enabling children to learn more about the featured athletes, read their bios, and explore information related to their respective Olympic sports. They can also gain insights into Olympic history and values and take part in a fun Olympic quiz at the end of each week.

Strong Support and Innovation

The OFI Dare to Believe program enjoys the support of PTSB, the official sponsor of Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Olympic Movement Breaks were developed by Dare to Believe co-founders Roisin Jones and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas, with input from participating Olympic athletes and teacher consultants.

Government Support and Encouragement

Minister Thomas Byrne, the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, expressed his enthusiasm for launching the Olympic Movement Breaks and emphasized the importance of collaboration between government departments and agencies in addressing the decreasing levels of physical activity among youth.

Fostering Academic and Emotional Growth

Roisin Jones, co-founder of Dare to Believe, highlighted the potential benefits of short, active movement breaks in aiding students academically and emotionally, as well as physically. The Olympic Movement Breaks aim to help students focus and engage while providing insights into Team Ireland Olympic athletes.

Supporting a Healthy Future

Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., expressed her support for initiatives promoting physical activity among children and young people.

Register for Olympic Movement Breaks

 

Registration for the Dare to Believe Olympic Movement Breaks is free of charge and can be found at www.daretobelieve.ie.

Touchdown in Dublin: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ambitious NFL Game in 2025

In a groundbreaking move that has the NFL community buzzing with excitement, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to make history by potentially playing an NFL game in Ireland in 2025.

This significant development comes on the heels of the NFL’s decision to grant the Steelers the rights to expand their brand and activities in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as part of the Global Markets Program.

It looks like the Chicago Bears will play in Spain in 2024, so the door could be open for the Steelers in 2025. Paris is also rumoured to be getting a game in the next three years.

The Steelers, as a marquee franchise in the NFL, have been given the green light to host exclusive events and activities throughout Ireland, including fan engagement and youth football initiatives. The Global Markets Program license they’ve been awarded also allows them to establish corporate sponsorships, boost merchandise sales, and forge marketing relationships in the region. This move is not only a testament to the growing global appeal of American football but also highlights the NFL’s commitment to reaching new horizons.

Daniel Rooney, the team’s director of business development and strategy, emphasized the Steelers’ long-term aspirations, stating, “Our aspirations long term are to play a game in Ireland.” This statement has sent fans and enthusiasts into a frenzy of anticipation, imagining the iconic black and gold colors of the Steelers gracing Irish soil for an NFL showdown.

To date, Ireland has never had the privilege of hosting a regular-season NFL game. The closest glimpse of NFL action on Irish turf came back in 1997 when the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Chicago Bears in a preseason matchup at Dublin’s Croke Park. The Steelers emerged victorious with a 30-17 win, leaving a lasting impression on the Irish audience. Now, nearly three decades later, the prospect of an official NFL game is on the horizon, carrying the potential to reshape the Irish sports landscape.

The idea of an NFL game in Ireland presents numerous exciting opportunities and challenges. For the Steelers, it’s a chance to expand their global presence, engage with fans in Ireland, and create an unforgettable experience for those who have only dreamt of watching their favorite teams on home soil. The game could also serve as a platform for American football’s growth in the country, sparking a surge in youth interest and potentially paving the way for more international talent to enter the NFL.

On The potential game in Ireland is expected to draw not only local NFL enthusiasts but also fans from across Europe and beyond, as American football’s popularity continues to soar globally. It could become a marquee event, showcasing the allure of Ireland as a sports tourism destination.

While the details of this historic event are still being ironed out, the prospect of the Pittsburgh Steelers playing an NFL game in Ireland in 2025 is undeniably exciting. It symbolizes the NFL’s commitment to expanding its reach and connecting with fans worldwide, and it marks a new chapter in the ever-evolving story of American football’s journey beyond American borders.

Video Replay & Result – Vauban beaten too far out in Melbourne Cup

Video Replay – Vauban who went off clear favorite for the Melbourne Cup finished 14th.

Vaubans trainer Willie Mullins said “he was a little disappointing, he was beaten too far out”

Without A Fight, the victor of the Caulfield Cup, achieved an impressive double during the spring carnival by clinching the prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, this six-year-old horse exhibited a remarkable burst of speed to take the lead as they entered the final furlong, securing a comfortable victory.

Although the highly favored Vauban showed promise as they entered the home stretch, the horse ultimately faded and finished in 14th place. Meanwhile, Absurde, another stablemate, led the field for a considerable part of the race but settled for seventh place.

Jockey Mark Zahra celebrated his second consecutive Melbourne Cup triumph, proving the wisdom of his choice to ride Without A Fight this year, rather than the previous year’s winner, Gold Trip.

Zahra said on Network Ten: “He relaxed well on the rail and I was confident in his ability as he has a good turn of foot.

“When I came off the rail, he quickened well, and while I hit the front early, I felt there was nothing going to come from behind me.

“I can’t believe I’ve won the race again but winning one helps you a lot. You have so much more confidence after getting the first one under your belt.

“If I stuffed it up, I still had a Melbourne Cup win on my CV and you go out there with more belief, especially when riding a good horse.”

MELBOURNE CUP FINISHING ORDER 🏆

1 Without A Fight
2 Soulcombe
3 Sheraz
4 Ashrun
5 Daqiansweet Junior
6 Interpretation
7 Absurde
8 True Marvel
9 Vow And Declare
10 Military Mission
11 Okita Soushi
12 More Felons
13 Lastotchka
14 Vauban
15 Future History
16 Breakup
17 Gold Trip
18 Virtuous Circle
19 Serpentine
20 Kalapour
21 Alenquer
22 Magical Lagoon
23 Right You Are

Vauban heads Irish challenge as Mullins targets Melbourne Cup

Willie Mullins’ name is already written firmly into Irish racing folklore, and he could be adding another significant racing feat to his roll of honour in the next few weeks.

The Melbourne Cup is one of the biggest horse races in the world, boasting an eye-catching prize pot of eight million Australian dollars, which converts to nearly €5 million. And Mullins, who already has a record-breaking 94 Cheltenham Festival winners to his name, evidently fancies taking on the best Australia has to offer, with the latest Melbourne Cup declarations including both Vauban and Absurde.

Vauban is best known for his exploits over the jumps, having won the Triumph Hurdle at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, before going on to win at the Punchestown Festival a month later. His 2023 jumps season didn’t quite reach the same heights, falling just short in both the English and Irish versions of the Champion Hurdle, prompting Mullins to switch Vauban back to flat racing where he started his career.

Like much that Mullins tries, the switch proved successful, as Vauban and Absurde both secured their places in the Melbourne Cup with a 1-2 in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot.

Both Melbourne Cup contenders have already made their way down under, and the Mullins camp are happy with how they’ve settled in.

Mullins’ assistant David Casey said of Vauban, “He travelled well, it seems he’s eating and drinking since he came and arrived. He didn’t lose a lot of weight and he’s put it all actually back on since he came. Delighted with him. It was great that he won at Ascot and backed it up when he won in Naas – we’re here and we’re delighted to be taking part and obviously hopefully with a horse that can be competitive.”

Bookmakers certainly agree with Casey’s assertion that Vauban can be competitive, with betting site melbourne-cup.online noting he is the clear ante-post favourite at 7/2, with Absurde also well in contention at 16/1.

The race will take place at 4am CET time on Tuesday 7th November, with plenty of Irish racing fans hoping they’ll be waking up to news of another big night for Mullins and Vauban.

Selected Melbourne Cup odds* according to melbourne-cup.online:

Vauban – 7/2

Soulcombe – 8/1

Just Fine – 14/1

Francesco Guardi – 14/1

Absurde – 16/1

Breakup – 16/1

Without a Fight – 20/1

Gold Trip – 25/1

*Odds correct at 3pm on 6th October 2023

 

Nominations revealed for the 2023 Cartier Racing Awards

Today marks the unveiling of the 33rd Cartier Racing Awards nominations, set to take place at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in London on the evening of Thursday, November 9.

The highly anticipated nominees for the Cartier Horse Of The Year accolade comprise exceptional contenders, including the undefeated Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe champion, Ace Impact, and Auguste Rodin, who achieved a remarkable Classic double with wins in the Betfred Derby and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, along with a triumph in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.

Furthermore, Mostahdaf, celebrated for victories in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and Juddmonte International, as well as Paddington, who secured an impressive four G1 wins in 2023, including the Coral-Eclipse and Qatar Sussex Stakes, also vie for the evening’s premier equine honor.

In addition to the coveted Cartier Horse Of The Year award, there are seven other distinguished equine categories, encompassing the Cartier Older Horse, Cartier Sprinter, Cartier Stayer, Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt, Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly, Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt, and Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly.

During this prestigious ceremony, the Cartier/The Daily Telegraph Award of Merit will be presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to European racing and breeding, as recognized by the esteemed 16-member Cartier jury, over their lifetime or within the past 12 months.

The nominations for the 2023 Cartier Racing Awards are:

 

Cartier Horse of the Year

Ace Impact

Auguste Rodin

Mostahdaf

Paddington

 

Cartier Older Horse

Hukum

Inspiral

Mostahdaf

Westover

 

Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt

Ace Impact

Auguste Rodin

Big Rock

Paddington

 

Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly

Blue Rose Cen

Mawj

Tahiyra

Warm Heart

 

Cartier Sprinter

Art Power

Highfield Princess

Live In The Dream

Shaquille

 

Cartier Stayer

Continuous

Courage Mon Ami

Quickthorn

Trueshan

 

Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt

City Of Troy

Henry Longfellow

Rosallion

Vandeek

 

Cartier Two-Year-Old Filly

Fallen Angel

Opera Singer

Porta Fortuna

Ylang Ylang

 

Exploring the Exciting World of Irish Sports and Betting

Ushba Tesoro wins the Dubai World Cup. Credit: Dubai Racing Club.

Exploring the Exciting World of Irish Sports and Betting

“The only one who can tell you ‘You can’t win’ is you and you don’t have to listen-Jessica Ennis-Hills.” Gambling is a timeless activity which has been enjoyed by Irish people for centuries. People in Ireland have long embraced the opportunity to wager on sports, from horse racing right through to Gaelic football and soccer. But while it used to be confined within certain areas, betting on sports has become more mainstream over recent years – with increasing access to online gambling and betting facilities allowing customers even more variety when choosing where they should place their bets.

Sport Ireland And the tradition of betting 

Ireland adores sports. It’s not just about watching games on TV, it also involves making strategic bets online to win real money. A major part of the Irish community actively engage in gambling and they only gamble on sports they understand well. So what draws their interest? Sports like football, Gaelic football, golf, hurling and rugby are all time favorites. Football tops the list with around five percent of teenagers over fifteen participating regularly. A close second is Gaelic Football – a popular childhood game for many adults now participating at a staggering thirty percent. Golf holds its own charm too. Thanks to golfers like Rory Mcllory, an international household name originating from Ireland itself. Hurling, although less heard off globally, is highly popular locally and Rugby witnessed eight percent participation this year alone from Ireland with national competitions gaining significant traction. In every sport watched or played in Ireland there runs a strong undercurrent of betting right through it linking tradition to current times skillfully.

Horse Racing: The Sport of Kings

“Horse racing and betting have a rich history in Ireland. Irish citizens could only bet on horse races through legal, onsite bookkeepers for centuries. This system was convenient for those living near racecourses but difficult for others. Enter the world of online betting sites. Today, they offer an exciting layer to the sports-watching experience that’s also accessible right at your fingertips; exploring different betting sites can be an entertaining way to add an extra layer of excitement to your sports-watching experience. Vert basic ideas are ‘Win’ and ‘Place’. A win means you bet on a horse to finish first. Fail to cross the line first, it’s game over—no payout. But settle down; there’s also ‘place’ wagering which relaxes things up a bit—you’re backing a horse not just to win—but even coming second fetches you rewards. What does all this mean? For one, when you are partaking in betting activities from various parts of Ireland or worldwide don’t forget about supporting local breeders who play significant roles by investing back into their beloved sport.”

 

With so many different options available in today’s fast-paced gambling markets –from Sport Ireland’s facility initiatives right through to traditional forms such as Horse Racing– there is something intriguing waiting around every corner for you as an Irish sports fan, or a punter looking for an adrenaline rush. So if you are brave enough why not give it a try? Treading carefully for sure but going full Houdini into the dazzling world of Irish Sports Betting promises excitement whatever your background or taste may be.

The World’s Most Popular Sports: Ranking and Estimated Fan Numbers

Sports have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, uniting communities and captivating the hearts of billions around the globe.

With an estimated 7.9 billion people on Earth, it’s fascinating to see just how diverse and widespread our love for sports is. In this article, we’ll rank the top 20 sports by estimated fan numbers, shedding light on the global passion for athletic competition.

1. Boxing – 4.74 Billion Fans:
Boxing takes the top spot with a staggering 4.74 billion fans worldwide. The intense one-on-one nature of the sport, along with its rich history and legendary fighters, has made it a global favorite.

2. Football/Soccer – 3.5 Billion Fans:
Football, or soccer as it’s known in many parts of the world, is an absolute phenomenon. With 3.5 billion fans, it’s the most popular team sport. The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, is one of the most-watched sporting events globally.

3. Cricket – 2.5 Billion Fans:
Cricket has a dedicated following, primarily in countries like India, Pakistan, and Australia. Its format diversity, from Test matches to T20, keeps fans engaged and contributes to its 2.5 billion supporters.

4. Ice Hockey – 2 Billion Fans:
Ice hockey’s popularity is on the rise, with approximately 2 billion fans. It’s a beloved sport in countries like Canada, the United States, and Russia, with fast-paced action and intense competition.

5. Field Hockey – 2 Billion Fans:
Field hockey shares the same number of fans as ice hockey. This team sport has a strong presence in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and India, where it is almost a way of life.

6. Tennis – 1 Billion Fans:
Tennis appeals to an impressive 1 billion fans globally. With stars like Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic, it has a dedicated and passionate following.

7. Volleyball – 900 Million Fans:
Volleyball’s fast-paced action and exciting rallies have earned it a fan base of 900 million people worldwide. It’s particularly popular in countries like Brazil, the United States, and Russia.

8. Badminton – 709 Million Fans:
Badminton’s accessibility and the ease with which it can be played make it a favorite among 709 million fans. It’s a popular recreational sport in many countries, especially in Asia.

9. Lacrosse – 674 Million Fans:
Lacrosse might not be as well-known as some other sports, but it boasts an impressive 674 million fans globally. It has a strong presence in North America and is gaining popularity in other regions.

10. Baseball – 500 Million Fans:
America’s favorite pastime, baseball, attracts 500 million fans. Although most popular in the United States and Japan, baseball has a dedicated international following.

11. Formula 1/Grand Prix Racing – 500 Million Fans:
Formula 1 racing has a global fan base of 500 million. The combination of cutting-edge technology, speed, and international appeal makes it a thrilling sport to follow.

12. Rugby – 475 Million Fans:
Rugby, with 475 million fans, is especially popular in countries like New Zealand, England, and South Africa. The Rugby World Cup is a major event on the sporting calendar.

13. Golf – 450 Million Fans:
Golf’s leisurely pace and precision make it a sport of choice for 450 million enthusiasts. Major tournaments like The Masters and The Open Championship draw massive audiences.

14. American Football – 410 Million Fans:
American football, with 410 million fans, is deeply ingrained in American culture. The Super Bowl, the sport’s championship game, is one of the most-watched events in the United States.

15. Basketball – 400 Million Fans:
Basketball is a global sensation with 400 million fans. The NBA, with its galaxy of stars, contributes significantly to the sport’s popularity.

16. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – 300 Million Fans:
MMA’s rise in popularity has led to a following of 300 million fans. It’s an exciting blend of different fighting styles and showcases incredible athleticism.

17. Handball – 270 Million Fans:
Handball may not be as well-known in some regions, but it enjoys a fan base of 270 million worldwide. It’s a fast-paced team sport that thrives in Europe.

18. Cycling – 150 Million Fans:
Cycling, with 150 million fans, is known for its grueling races like the Tour de France. It combines athleticism, endurance, and the love of the great outdoors.

19. Bowling – 120 Million Fans:
Bowling’s accessibility and fun factor attract 120 million fans. It’s a beloved pastime in many countries, with leagues and recreational players.

20. Athletics – 100 Million Fans:
Athletics, including track and field events, captures the hearts of 100 million fans globally. The Olympic Games showcase the pinnacle of human athleticism in this sport.

Conclusion:
The world’s diverse range of sports and their passionate fan bases highlight the universality of human athleticism and the power of competition to unite people across borders. Whether it’s boxing’s intense showdowns or the grace of tennis, these sports have a profound impact on our lives, bringing joy, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to millions, if not billions, of people around the world.

Rugby World Cup Referee retires after death threats

Rugby World Cup referee Wayne Barnes, a seasoned official with a remarkable career, has made the heartfelt decision to retire.

Barnes, who presided over more than 100 Test matches, along with officiating 273 English Premiership games, 17 Six Nations tournaments, and 10 Premiership finals, leaves a significant mark on the sport. In addition to these achievements, he had the privilege of refereeing 27 World Cup games across five tournaments.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Barnes shared, “Over the past two decades, I’ve been in the middle of some of the greatest rugby matches in history. I have seen some of the world’s best players and worked with some of the finest coaches the game has ever produced.” His words underline the immense experience and expertise he brought to the game, earning the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike. But death threats after the final are completely unacceptable and have to lead in part to his decision.

Barnes’s role in key matches, including Ireland’s pool victory over Tonga and their quarter-final loss to New Zealand, as well as his central position during the final between South Africa and the All Blacks, showcased his ability to handle high-stakes situations. “Last Saturday, I was privileged to referee the Rugby World Cup final between two of the most iconic teams in sport; the All Blacks and the Springboks,” he added. His last match on the grand stage of the Rugby World Cup will remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide.

But for Barnes, the decision to retire was about more than the accolades. He expressed, “People often say you will know when it is the right time to retire, and this is clearly the right time for me and for my family.” His priorities shifted towards spending quality time with his family, particularly his children. “My children have missed out on time with their dad for far too long,” he revealed, “and I am now looking forward to family weekends, sports matches, school assemblies, and birthday parties.”

Barnes also acknowledged the tremendous support of his wife, Polly, throughout his career. “My wife, Polly, has sacrificed more than anyone so that I have been able to achieve some of my personal goals. While I have been away most weekends and for decent chunks of the year, she has had to juggle being an amazing mum with two active children, along with holding down a hugely successful career of her own.” His words of gratitude for his family’s support underscore the sacrifices and dedication that come with a career in professional sports.

Furthermore, Barnes expressed his commitment to giving back to the sport he loves. He declared, “I will continue to advocate for referees and work closely with the International Rugby Match Officials’ association to ensure match officials across the globe not only have a collective voice but also the appropriate support network for them and their families, particularly as online abuse and threats have become far too regular for all of those involved in the game.” His dedication to addressing the issue of online abuse and threats within rugby highlights his concern for the well-being of all those involved in the sport.

Wayne Barnes leaves a lasting legacy not only as a distinguished referee but also as a dedicated family man and advocate for the betterment of rugby officiating. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence on the sport will endure.

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