100-test Wayne Barnes ranks his three favourite stadiums for atmosphere

ing about the Millennium Stadium – renamed later as the Principality Stadium – is nigh on perfect save from some early teething problems with the turf which can struggle a little when the roof is on for prolonged periods.

Barnes said: "With the roof closed, there is no better atmosphere."

Barnes said: "Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium – A stadium which is built up so it feels as if the spectators are on top of the pitch, I’ve refereed two cracking Bledisloe Cup matches there too."

Barnes said: "A short stroll from home. In the 2015 RWC semi-final, I walked to the stadium from my house with the other match officials. As I crossed the 316 bridge from the Stoop with my bag over my shoulder, I looked across to the West Car Park and thought this is pretty special."

Two of the best referee’s to ever pick up an ACME Whistle, it’s interesting to see who give them the hardest time on the rugby pitch.

DID YOU KNOW? Nigel Owens started refereeing in 1987, after his sports teacher John Beynon suggested he take up refereeing after a poor performance in a school game.

BARNES SAID: “Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point.”

OWENS SAID: "If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards."

OWENS SAID: “Oh god yes. He’s so focused and so passionate about what he’s doing, we’ve had a few run ins on the pitch down the years. I mean, it’s always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game.”

DID YOU KNOW? Biggar has his own routine before kicking goals, which fans now call "The Biggarena" after Los Del Rio's 1995 hit, Macarena.

BARNES SAID: “I was always petrified of him because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership. 2003 was my first [season] and obviously that was towards the end of his career and I remember I had to sin-bin him once and I actually apologised as I did it. I said ‘I’m very sorry I have to do this’ because he’s such a big personality. I guess he was always someone who scared me witless!”

DID YOU KNOW? Under his management England won the 2011 Six Nations Championship, their first since 2003

OWENS SAID: “Definitely. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully. A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him. He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”

DID YOU KNOW? He is a famously competitive and "outspoken" character, gaining the nickname "The Leicester Lip"

OWENS SAID: “Itoje is someone who plays right on the edge. That is what makes him such a great player. He must be so difficult to play against but he’s also difficult to referee and I mean that with the utmost respect."

BARNES SAID: "The hardest players are the best players,”