Wayne Barnes, the referee for the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, revealed he underwent heart surgery during the tournament after experiencing severe health issues, including a heart rate of 230 bpm. Just days before officiating Wales' pool game against Australia, Barnes felt unwell and struggled with symptoms that left his legs feeling weak and made breathing difficult. Despite this, he chose to officiate the match, limiting his movement and confiding in fellow referees about his condition at halftime. After the game, he contacted his cardiologist, who advised him to return to London for further evaluation. Barnes has a history of heart issues, including atrial fibrillation, and has previously had his heart's rhythm reset. His experience highlights the physical demands on referees at high-level rugby competitions.