Springbok fullback Willie le Roux and referee Wayne Barnes.
Wayne Barnes helped launch the first representative body for rugby union’s senior officials on Tuesday after the English referee and his family came under threats on social media.
International Rugby Match Officials (IRMO) is designed to give referees a collective voice that can be linked directly to World Rugby.
Barnes refereed his 100th Test in November, between France and South Africa, but the milestone was overshadowed by criticism from Springbok director of rugby union Rassie Erasmus, which was followed by a torrent of abuse online.
“For the first time there will be a collective voice… advocating for issues ranging from promoting physical and mental well-being to defending the values of sport and representing international referees,” Barnes said.
Erasmus received a two-game ban for his comments, meaning he missed world champions South Africa’s victory over England at Twickenham in November.
A subsequent statement from World Rugby said they had had “positive discussions” with Erasmus.
Last week, Barnes, a lawyer by profession, said he had considered ending his rugby career.
Meanwhile, his wife Polly Barnes took to Twitter to condemn fan death threats directed at the couple’s children.
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