NEWS EXTRA

WAYNE Barnes believes that ignoring social media is the best way for referees to operate, but is also concerned that online abuse is affecting the number of people willing to referee at all levels. Barnes, who will officiate at his fifth rugby World Cup later this year, says he relies on the advice of a close circle of critics, rather than social media, to know if he’s put in a good performance. Speaking on The Rugby Paper Podcast, Barnes said: “The one thing I’ve realised over the last 20 years of doing this job in the Premiership, particularly wit...