Wales sensation Louis Rees-Zammit is reportedly on the brink of a lucrative switch to Japan, with Mie Honda Heat making a substantial offer to lure him away from Gloucester.
As per The Rugby Paper, the Welsh star’s contract with Gloucester concludes this summer, prompting interest from French clubs as well.
Rees-Zammit’s potential move to Japan is viewed as a game-changer for the country’s rugby scene, akin to the path taken by fellow compatriot Liam Williams.
While the outcome remains uncertain, the impact on his availability for Wales is yet to be determined.
Despite maintaining eligibility with over 25 caps, the scenario draws parallels to instances where players like Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe had to opt out of the Six Nations due to conflicting schedules with the Japanese rugby season.
Nigel Owens ranks who is worst to referee between Dan Biggar, Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton
Despite his busy schedule managing his farm, Owens remains engaged in the rugby community, lending his expertise as a pundit and appearing in video features for prominent platforms such as the BBC, Amazon Prime, and World Rugby.
While he no longer referees professional club games, his last match in that capacity was a centenary fixture between Trimsaran and Llanelli, which took place in March of this year.
Arguably, the three worst players to deal with these days are Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.
Owens has had his say on all three, ranking them from worst to best.
#3. Owen Farrell (England)
Farrell, the English rugby captain, epitomizes leadership and respect. Renowned for his versatility as a fly-half or centre, he combines skill and discipline, serving as a linchpin in England’s rugby campaigns.
Nigel Owens said: “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.”