Popular Welsh referee Nigel Owens missed out on refereeing the Rugby World Cup after suffering a calf injury, according to reports.
He was stood down from duty after he informed World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee that he was struggling with pain in his calf muscle.
Rule #22: Always celebrate the game afterwards.
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) October 28, 2019
With the Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, there’s no better place to celebrate a game well played. But make sure all celebrations stay above board. #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter. O and make sure you don’t come in from the side 😂 pic.twitter.com/WO6W50paPo
It was worried that the injury was severe enough that the 48-year-old feared it would hinder his performance.
Instead, Jerome Garces will become the first Frenchman to take charge of a World Cup final.
PREDICTION:
The Independent reported the 46-year-old was in line to be awarded the match regardless of the injury to Owens’s.
Nevertheless, he was set to feature as one of the two assistant referees in Saturday’s final between England and South Africa.