On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery is joined by referee Wayne Barnes to look back on his eventful career.

The Englishman recently called time on his refereeing career after taking charge of the World Cup final, and Barnes gives a fascinating insight into what it's like officiating the biggest game in rugby.

The life of a top official, the TMO bunker and what it's like refereeing Johnny Sexton is all up for discussion too.

‘Throwing the Book’ by Wayne Barnes is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Barnes on the World Cup final, TMO bunker and refereeing Johnny Sexton

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

Sports

Leinster once again let the Irish side down with a thumping at the hands of the Stormers - so the question must be asked: was it right to send the ‘second team’ to South Africa?

Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Luke Fitzgerald join Will Slattery on this week’s Left Wing podcast to discuss all the big talking points ahead of Leinster’s Croke Park date with Northampton Saints.


After Leinster lost their second game on the bounce, the crew debates whether it was right to send a weakened squad to South Africa. Luke believes the extra expense would be worth it, as at this time of the season he feels Leinster should not be ‘throwing games away’

Meanwhile, Munster continued their strong record in South Africa and look primed for another URC title tilt while Ulster's form under Richie Murphy leaves them in danger of missing out on a playoff place.

Plus, why Croke Park can be a hindrance for kickers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analysing if Leinster made a mistake by ‘throwing away’ South Africa games ahead of Saints semi

It was a memorable weekend for Ireland after they secured automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in England.
Scott Bemand's team finished third in the Women's Six Nations table which also means they will play in Tier 1 of the WXV competition later this year.
Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to review the campaign and discuss what needs to be done for Ireland to become World Cup ready. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The planning starts now for the Women’s Rugby World Cup

After Munster's performance in Loftus, can their win over the Bulls be the catalyst for a URC defence and what about the difference RG Snyman makes?
Cian Tracey and Luke Fitzgerald join Rúaidhrí O’Connor on this week’s Left Wing podcast to discuss all the big talking points for Irish rugby from the weekend.
After Leinster’s uncharacteristic loss to Lions are they repeating past mistakes as the coaches fly home to prep for Saints?
There’s also been a lot of talk about central contracts and the panel asks is the model working and does it need tweaking or wholesale change?
Plus, selling out Croke Park - what it means for Leinster, Irish rugby and what it's like to play in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster’s statement victory, is the central contracts model working and Leinster repeating past mistakes?

England dished out a 88-10 hammering to Ireland in the Women's Six Nations at Twickenham last weekend. The world number one-ranked team completely overwhelmed Ireland as they ran in 14 tries.
Scott Bemand's side will play Scotland in Belfast in next Saturday's final round with an automatic place in next year’s World Cup up for grabs for the team that finishes third in the table.
Former Ireland player Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly of scrumqueens.com joined Sinéad Kissane to go through last weekend's demolition and look ahead to the biggest game of the year for Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland have to pick themselves up for their biggest game of the year

Leinster's emphatic win over La Rochelle and their blockbuster signing of Jordie Barrett are up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing.
Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery break down the key moments behind Leinster's victory and single out the key performers like Will Connors and Joe McCarthy.
Jacques Nienaber's influence on Leinster is also discussed before talk turns to the signing of All Blacks star Barrett.
The lads debate whether the signing should have been signed off by the IRFU and the worrying gulf that has emerged between the provinces.
Ulster and Connacht's heavy European defeats are also on the agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Barnes on the World Cup final, TMO bunker and refereeing Johnny Sexton

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