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.
How can I book Wayne Barnes for my next event?
Email wayne.barnes@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
PepTalk are the official speaking agents for Wayne Barnes available to book for corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity endorsements, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Wayne Barnes's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. For media interviews, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Wayne directly.
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.