Wayne Barnes had heart restarted during 2023 Rugby World Cup after shocking series of events
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Legendary rugby referee Wayne Barnes has revealed the shocking story of how he needed to have his heart restarted midway through the 2023 Rugby World Cup after a health scare.
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Heart Rate Hits 230 BPM During Paris Training Session
While on a training run in Paris, Barnes' heart rate spiked to a jaw-dropping 230 beats per minute. He described the terrifying moment, explaining that his legs felt like “wet spaghetti” and he struggled to breathe.
Atrial Fibrillation Turns to Tachycardia
Barnes, who had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation back in 2009, saw his condition turn into tachycardia, a dangerously high heart rate. Cardiologists were forced to reset his heart’s rhythm, but the drama didn’t end there.
Barnes Referees Wales vs Australia Despite the Scare
Despite the health emergency, Barnes went ahead with his duties and officiated the Wales vs Australia match just days later. He recalls a moment early in the game when Welsh scrum-half Gareth Davies scored a try after a 50-metre dash: “I thought, ‘Oh s***, I’m in trouble here…'”
Apple Watch to the Rescue
After feeling unwell during the match, Barnes called his cardiologist, who instructed him to send an ECG reading using an Apple Watch. The diagnosis? His heart was in tachycardia again. The solution? A quick flight back to London for a heart-reset procedure.
Barnes Bounces Back for the Rest of the World Cup
Remarkably, Barnes had his heart restarted in a simple procedure and was back in France to continue refereeing for the rest of the Rugby World Cup. Talk about resilience!
Wayne Barnes didn't hesitate when naming the best captain he ever refereed
Get ready for a surprising revelation from renowned rugby referee Wayne Barnes, as he unveils his list of the top three captains he has officiated.
During a 2021 Q&A with Teddington Nub News, the famous whistleblower name checked three of the best skippers he'd refereed in his career up until that point.
#3. John Smit (South Africa)
A rugby legend hailing from South Africa, John Smit is renowned for his towering presence on the field and exceptional leadership skills. Born on April 3, 1978, Smit’s illustrious career as a hooker saw him captaining the Springboks to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
With 111 caps for his country, he’s revered for his strength, agility, and strategic acumen. Beyond rugby, Smit is a respected figure in sports administration, having served as CEO of the Sharks rugby team and played a pivotal role in the development of rugby in South Africa.
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