England and Bristol Bears Kyle Sinckler has shown off a huge new back tattoo and has gone onto explain the meaning behind the huge piece.
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
He wrote on Instagram: “The knights of the past were noble men by way of particular qualities. To unlock these qualities was to become a man of valour – the goal of every knight.
“A long time ago I was passed on the knowledge behind 5 of them by @saviourworld which prompted me to tattoo the knights you see here on my back. In all honesty, I have not stuck by the code as I should have over the past few years but I am returning to it once again, so I wanted to share the 5 principles of nobility for anyone who cares to read.
“1. VIRTUE – To embody impeccable behaviour showing high moral standards.
“2. WISDOM – Making choices based on sensible or wise thinking, rather than emotion.
“3. LOVE – To intensely deliver one’s energy to what one loves, until death does you part.
“4. COURAGE – The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery
“5. SACRIFICE – To give up (something valued) for the sake of other considerations beyond oneself.
“To live as a noble man through these 5 qualities in a world that is trying to lure us into behaviour of a selfish nature, is a valiant life to pursue.
“Have I achieved it? No.
“Will I continue to try? Yes!”
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”