158th season

By Sparkie
October 4 2025

It is with great sadness that Wasps FC mourns the passing of Barney Burnham, Freelance Broadcaster, Journalist and rugby aficionado.  

Just a week ago, Barney spent a fine day at his beloved Twickenham (Allianz) Stadium to witness the World Cup final victory of the Red Roses over Canada. Almost 22 years earlier, Barney had witnessed England beat Australia at Old Abbotstonians RFC in Hillingdon, followed by a Champagne breakfast chez Barney's! No doubt, 12 years prior, he had been at Twickenham to see Australia best England at Twickenham in the 1991 World Cup final. 

Barney's love of rugby and choral music was born in Worcester. From King's School he went on to become a freelance journalist, broadcaster and private tutor. He also volunteered as a guide at Twicknham Stadium from 2005, and contributed articles to Wasps RFC's match programme and was a co-author with Duncan Jones and Marcus Williams of the commemorative book, "150 Years of Wasps Rugby", published by Vision Sports Publishing on 1 October 2017. Barney said a few words at the Club's book launch event (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6aeuz7).

Barney's favourite Wasps match was the 2004 Heineken Cup semi final against Munster in Dublin. His account of the match is recounted in a 2020 "From the Vaults" article at https://worldrugbymuseum.com/from-the-vaults/club-rugby/the-greastest-game-ever-seen. Quite a tale of staying up all night on air in west London, dashing to Dublin and breakfasting/nightcapping on pure genius.

In recent years he moved back to be near his family in Worcester. Barney, may you rest in peace. Thank you for your warm words, barbecues and deep love for the game!

Funeral arrangements:

13:00 Monday 3 November 2025, The Vale Crenatorium, Evesham Road, Fladbury, Pershore, WR10 2QR. Dress code: informal, as Barney would have wished. Please confirm attendance via dom DOT benson AT gmail DOT com ... if you wish to send a card to the family, you will be emailed back with the address.