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Nigel Owens reveals his intention to retire from refereeing after the 2019 World Cup in Japan
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Owens was acclaimed for his handling of the 2015 Rugby World Cup final
Fan favourite referee Nigel Owens has announced his intention to bow out of refereeing at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Owens was acclaimed for his handling of New Zealand’s triumph over Australia at Twickenham in last October’s World Cup final and is universally identified as the best referee in the world.
He made his international debut when Portugal hosted Georgia in Lisbon in 2004 and the following year took charge of a major nation for the first time when he officiated in Ireland’s win over Japan in Osaka.
“I’m 44 and there’s no age limit on refereeing international rugby. My motivation is to keep reffing because I just enjoy it, whether it’s an under-12 match, a local derby, the Pro12, Champions Cup or a World Cup final.
“As long as I can still do a good job on the pitch so the players enjoy it I plan to go on until the 2019 World Cup, if I am fit and refereeing well enough, but no longer”.