Barnes in charge of Prem Final

By Mark Stevens
25/5/18

The most experienced referee in Aviva Premiership Rugby history will take charge of his 200th game when the kings of this season are crowned this weekend.

Wayne Barnes is set to hit the officiating landmark at Twickenham Stadium as defending Champions Exeter Chiefs take on Saracens on Saturday in the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final 2018.

The 39-year-old former barrister began his professional refereeing career in 2005 and will be overseeing his eighth Aviva Premiership Rugby Final – the most ever.

His first Final was a decade ago in 2008 when he took charge of Wasps’ 27-16 victory over Leicester Tigers.

Luke Pearce and Paul Dix will be Barnes’ assistants as he brings up his double century, while David Grashoff has been appointed as TMO and Paul Hull will be the citing officer for Aviva Premiership Rugby’s showpiece.

Saracens were 28-20 winners when the two sides met in the Final in 2016 but the Chiefs got their revenge at the semi-final stage last year.

Exeter went on to defeat Wasps 23-20 after extra-time at Twickenham and two additional ten-minute periods will be played should the scores be level again at the conclusion of regulation time.

If the two sides cannot be separated after extra time, then the winner will be the team that has scored the most tries in the game.

And, should that still not be enough to determine a winner, the 2018 Aviva Premiership Rugby Final will be decided in a place-kicking competition.

Saturday 26 May

Aviva Premiership Rugby Final

Exeter Chiefs v Saracens

Twickenham Stadium, 3pm

Referee: Wayne Barnes (200th Aviva Premiership Rugby game)

Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce and Paul Dix

TMO: David Grashoff

Citing Officer: Paul Hull