Wayne Barnes helps launch high-performance match officials representative body

International Rugby Match Officials will promote and protect the interests of officials

Wayne Barnes has helped launch the first representative body for high-performance match officials (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Wayne Barnes has helped launch the first representative body for high-performance match officials in the same week that the record-breaking rugby referee revealed the extent of abuse received by himself and his family.

International Rugby Match Officials (IRMO) will promote and protect the interests of officials and provide a platform for interaction with the sport’s global governing body.

Barnes refereed his 100th Test match in November between France and South Africa but celebrations were soured by criticism from Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus that was followed by shocking online abuse.

Barnes said: “Today’s launch represents an important development for the recognition and support of rugby match officials on the world stage.

“For the first time there will be a collective voice and support network for international referees and television match officials, championing matters of interest ranging from physical and mental wellbeing promotion to upholding the sport’s values and representing international match officials within World Rugby decision-making structures.”

As well as promoting the interests of existing officials and inputting into discussions on future laws, IRMO will also promote the development of officiating as an existing career path.

Today’s launch represents an important development for the recognition and support of rugby match officials on the world stage.

Wayne Barnes

It will do so with the full support of World Rugby, whose chief executive Alan Gilpin said: “Match officials are fundamental to the sport and their role is greater than the matches they officiate.

“They are ambassadors, champions of our values and increasingly contributing to the future shape of the sport through their game expertise.

“The establishment of IRMO importantly provides both a voice and a support mechanism for the world’s top match officials and will better formalise the interactions between them and World Rugby across a range of topics from law review, officiating performance and tournament provisions to commercial opportunities and mental wellbeing, all geared towards enabling them to be the best they can be on and off the field.”