10 years of Nigel Owens – Rugby’s Headmaster

Rugby is obviously a difficult game to play. Professionals spend hours each day perfecting their skills and improving their fitness… but what about the referee? The man in the middle calling the shots, responsible for the flow of the game when under pressure from sometimes tens of thousands of jeering fans, to control the match is such a difficult task that supporters of the great game simply take it for granted.

Here at RBP we’d like to acknowledge one ref in particular that we think controls the match the outright best, Nigel Owens. The Welshman has been adored by players and supporters alike since becoming an international referee in 2005 (Japan vs. Ireland).Known widely for his witty remarks, stern ‘teacher’ like behaviour and near flawless decision making he has refereed 3 Heineken Cup finals and will in no doubt go down as a hero in the sport.
However there’s more to Owens than simply a rugby referee. He is a frequent face on Welsh television, on shows such as Jonathan (alongside Jonathan Davies), Bwrw’r Bar and his own quiz show “Munud i Fynd” (As non-Welsh speakers.. we don’t even know). Back in 2007 he came out as gay while being interviewed on Wales On Sunday.

“It’s such a big taboo to be gay in my line of work, I had to think very hard about it because I didn’t want to jeopardise my career. Coming out was very difficult and I tried to live with who I really was for years. I knew I was ‘different’ from my late teens, but I was just living a lie.”

The world of rugby responded to his self-acceptance with open arms however he did received some homophobic comments in Twickenham during New Zealand’s victory over England back in November 2014. Those found guilty were banned from the stadium for 2 years and were fined £1000 pounds each
“I’d tell them to think twice about saying things, because it’s not me they’re hurting, it’s the young kid sitting in the row in front who’s maybe dealing with their own sexuality. The most difficult thing I ever had to do in my life was accepting I was gay. It’s someone sitting two seats away, going through what I went through, dealing with who they are, who are the people they’re putting in danger.”
The money received was given to charity.

Nigel also spoke of how dealing with his sexuality was so hard that he considered taking his own life.

Thankfully Nigel is still with us and has become a great advocate for the gay community (awarded ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Year’ by gay rights group Stonewall’s in 2007) in rugby showing that he is not only an inspiration on the pitch but also off. Hopefully we’ll be seeing the now 43 year old for years to come.