Popular Welsh referee Nigel Owens has confirmed that his 100th test match this weekend will likely be his last international in an exclusive interview with the Telegraph.
Already the world’s most-capped referee – he broke Jonathan Kaplan’s record of 70 appearances back in June 2016 – Owens becomes the first to reach three figures nearly 18 years after making his debut as the man in charge.
“There is a sense that things are coming to an end.” revealed Owens.
“This season will be my last at Test level, and probably professionally as well. It will be.
“I can understand that if I am not going to be around for the World Cup in three years’ time, they are not going to pick me now.
“I will savour the moment. You have to enjoy every day as if it is the last because one day you will be right. I am going to enjoy this game because one day it is going to be my last, and this could be it. I would be disappointed if it was.”
Owens, who named his all-time dream team a few years back, also selected five players for extra praise.
1. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
“I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.”
