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Rugby referee & legal expert

Wayne Barnes

Transform decision-making and leadership with Wayne Barnes, speaker, World Rugby Referee of the Year and criminal barrister. Wayne works with businesses to enhance integrity, compliance and performance excellence, delivering unparalleled insights from 90+ international matches and legal expertise.

Trusted by Squire Patton Boggs, BT Sport, ITV

Wayne Barnes

Speaker Biography

Key topics about

  • World Rugby Referee of the Year
  • Highly respected criminal barrister specialising in sports compliance
  • Rugby expert and public speaker for BT Sport, ITV, Channel 5
Wayne Barnes is recognised worldwide as both World Rugby Referee of the Year and a leading criminal barrister. Over a 20-year career, he officiated a record 111 international test matches and the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, earning respect for his authority, fairness, and ability to make decisions under intense pressure. Alongside his sporting achievements, Wayne is a partner at global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, where he advises sports bodies and major organisations on compliance, governance, and tackling online abuse. His rare combination of elite sport and legal expertise gives teams and leaders fresh insight into leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making. Wayne’s engaging style, honed through his media work with BT Sport, ITV, and Channel 5, ensures complex lessons become clear, practical strategies that audiences can apply straight away. Book Wayne Barnes to inspire your organisation with lessons in leadership, integrity, and high-stakes decision-making that drive real results.

Wayne's Showreel and Videos

Why We Recommend Booking Wayne

Wayne brings a unique blend of high-level sports insight and legal expertise to every speaking engagement, offering unparalleled perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and integrity. His experiences as a World Rugby Referee of the Year and a criminal barrister allow him to deliver powerful, real-world examples of overcoming challenges and achieving excellence.

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Trusted by Squire Patton Boggs, BT Sport, ITV

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frequently asked questions

Got Questions About Booking a Speaker?

What topics does Wayne Barnes specialise in?
Wayne Barnes specialises in discussing rugby officiating, criminal law, sports compliance and more.
What is Wayne Barnes's speaking style like?
Wayne delivers insightful talks with clarity and engagement, drawing from his unique experiences in sports and law. His ability to simplify complex topics inspires audiences and drives meaningful discussions.
Does Wayne Barnes offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Wayne Barnes offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

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