Fresh from hanging up the whistle after last month's Rugby World Cup final, referee Wayne Barnes detailed the trials and tribulations of officiating at a professional level.

In his new autobiography 'Throwing the Book', Barnes took aim at former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry and his response to the All Blacks' upset loss to France in 2007.

Former All Black Sir John Kirwan says it's likely Barnes is exaggerating his points to generate interest in the book.

"I know Wayne, I know his wife- he's a family man. That's a bit of an exaggeration, he's probably got to sell books. "

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