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Premiership's Final referees

By Paul Dobson
Friday 30 May 2008

There have not been many Finals to England’s Premiership – just five of them and only three referees have refereed the Final.

Wayne Barnes thus becomes just the fourth.

Originally there were no leagues. Then there was a league and then in 2003 a league leading with knock-out leading to a Final. The Final produces interest, excitement and a not inconsiderable amount of cash.

The first referee for a Premiership Final was Tony Spreadbury, still refereeing but retired from international rugby after the 2007 World Cup at which he refereed the opening match.

The second referee was Chris White, also at the 2007 World Cup and still very much active and due to referee the Test between Ireland and New Zealand in Wellington on 7 June. He did two Finals.

Dave Pearson also did two Finals and he will be the reserve referee at Twickenham on Saturday while the two assistant referees are specialists in that capacity. Pearson was a touch judge at the 2007 World Cup. After the Final he will leave for South Africa to referee the Test between South Africa and Wales in Bloemfontein.

Barnes is a young man who has leapt up the refereeing ladder. He turned 29 in April but is already a seasoned referee with the experience of the 2007 World Cup behind him.

Final referees

London Wasps vs Gloucester, 39-3 on 31 May 2003
Referee: Tony Spreadbury

London Wasps vs Bath, 10-6 on 29 May 2004
Referee: Chris White

London Wasps vs Leicester Tigers, 39-14 on 14 May 2005
Referee: Chris White

Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers, 45-20 on 27 May 2006
Referee: Dave Pearson

Leicester Tigers vs Gloucester, 44-15 on 12 May 2007
Referee: Dave Pearson

Leicester Tigers vs London Wasps on 31 May 2998
Referee: Wayne Barnes

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