Throwing the Book
£14.99
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.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Constable (14 Nov. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 14417 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 320 pages |
| Page numbers source ISBN | 140871955X |
by Mr. Ben Howard
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.
by Book Man
Barnes comes across as a really nice, down to earth bloke (I had no idea he was a working-class lad from Gloucester) who ended up doing a very difficult job better than almost anyone, despite the inevitable criticism. Self-deprecating, with lots of funny stories, but also a serious insight into what it takes to be a rugby referee at the highest level. Recommended.
by MZY2015
A page turner! Hard to put down! Fascinating insight into career as referee and criminal barrister. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Really enjoyed reading and very sad to get to the end. I’d love to read a volume two starting at the 2023 rwc :)))
by Mr G J Evans
Great read, different from other rugby biographies I’ve read. Enjoyed the other side and also the background to why officating is the way it is in tournaments. Wayne Barnes has been one of the best and his honesty in the book is shown.
by Kindle Customer
I really enjoyed it. Opened my eyes to so many aspects of the job that had never occurred to me. So pleased I have read it and I recommend it to all fans of rugby.