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Throwing the Book
- Narrated by: Rich Keeble, Wayne Barnes
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
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Summary
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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- Matthew Bywater
- 22-02-24
joue joue
a fun insight into the world of refereeing. well worth a listen for any rugby fan.
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- Chris S.
- 23-11-23
great insight very entertaining
a great listen. fascinating snippets, some very funny and some very dark, Rugby needs to keep Wayne Barnes involved in the game
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- Nick Jepson
- 23-02-24
Tales of derring doo as a ref
Love the tales of yore and good to hear your views on world rugby and more. Nice to hear from Ben Dirs too who my group of rugby rapscallions had the pleasure of meeting after the 2007 World Cup final - one was even mentioned in his blog.
Oh and so glad you both got through the trolling ok.
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- James
- 22-11-23
What a guy!
fantastic book and a great insight to a very interesting man who's sacrificed at lot and put lots of pressure on himself - the only downside is you only read a few pages Wayne.
For the next one can you read 80 minutes...?
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- Anonymous User
- 09-12-23
Excellent listen
Wry informative story on the ups and downs of a true gent of the great game . Wayne’s story is very inspiring and shows determination can pay off in the end. Sorry to see a true legend and a great referee hang up his whistle.
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- Mike D Cooper
- 27-11-23
Insightful dialogue on the role of officiating the great game.
I really enjoyed understanding the politics of the role of the rugby referee. It sounded very amateur at times. And the stretch on the personal life is very interesting indeed.
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- David Chapman
- 01-01-24
Perfect title
Just hope that there’s more support for fellow referees , well said Wayne and good luck to the future , hope your able to put things right Dave
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- max
- 25-11-23
if you like rugby. this is worth a listen!
Great audio book. I'm really hit and miss with audio books, some I buy and it's a real chore to listen to. this was brilliant, smashed through it and only wish it was longer. really great insight into the game, and the reffing..... and I'm a Welshman!
thanks barnsy for sharing your story
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- Anonymous User
- 29-12-23
The reality of being a referee.
I really enjoyed listening to Throwing the Book. Barnes shows the reality that referees are people and like players, managers and fans they like to enjoy themselves, go out to do the best they can and love the game they are involved in. I hope this book creates a better understanding of how tough it is to referee our game.
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- thomas r.
- 14-11-23
Brilliant insight into the world of rugby referees
Shame Barnsey only read the foreword, not the whole book.
Very interesting to someone who's watched Wayne Barnes become the world best Rugby referee.
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