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       #Post#: 7844--------------------------------------------------
       Clermont v La Rochelle - Challenge Cup Final - Wayne Barnes
       By: RCG Date: May 11, 2019, 2:52 am
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       Around 28,000 in St James' Park to watch the warm up match prior
       to today's Champions Cup were treated to a rare feast of open,
       shackles off rugby from two decent sides. Pockets of yellow
       within the stadium making plenty of noise, with a vast mix of
       other fans both from England and beyond.
       The rugby was not always accurate but the occassional bouncing
       ball created excitement and unpredictability.
       The better, more clinical side won although La Rochelle did
       threaten a comeback with 12 minutes to go.
       In the midst of all the Gallic adventure 3 (well actually 6)
       musketeers from these shores, led superbly by Wayne Barnes. His
       last European game could not have been better. An odd scrum
       penalty aside he managed the contest perfectly supported by Matt
       Carley and Luke Pearce, with an odd prompt by Rowan Kitt (TMO)
       Virtually every player shook his hand at the end, many of the
       coaching staff too. The hugs he received from his 2 assistants
       were touching. A fitting end to this part of his career.
       And so later to Leinster vs Saracens and Mr Garces
       #Post#: 7847--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Clermont v La Rochelle - Challenge Cup Final - Wayne Barnes
       By: Hendo Date: May 11, 2019, 9:06 am
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       Thanks for the excellent report RCG. Didn’t see the game but
       good to hear it was entertaining and that the English team
       played their part.
       When Wayne Barnes was promoted to international level all those
       years ago I must say I had reservations but thankfully unfounded
       ones as he has become one of the top 3 refs in the World in
       recent years along with Owens and Garces. If England don’t reach
       the WC Final then he must be a good bet for the final, though
       the other 2 will challenge him closely ( I think both will be
       too old in 2023 and Owens could do an Andre Watson and Ref back
       to back finals).
       I know Barnes is backing out at the top due to business and
       family priorities but part of me feels we won’t have seen the
       last of him and he will be back in some refereeing admin or
       training role at some stage in the future as he has too much to
       offer. Watch this space!
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