5 of the most brutally honest Nigel Owens quotes

Friday, 21 May 2021 at 08:57

byRugby Rucker

Nigel Owens, who's brought class, standards and entertainment to the game since beginning his professional career in 2002, has come up with some cracking one-liners over the years.

Let's take a look at the top five quotes.

Nigel Owens

Nigel Owens quotes:

1. "This is not soccer"

First we begin with what is probably Owens' most famous quote. It has become a world-wide favourite for rugby fans. As everyone knows, scrum-halves are renowned for their complaining and whining, and referees seem to tolerate it.However in 2012, Owens was the whistle-blower in a RaboDirect PRO12 match between Munster and Bennetton Treviso when Treviso scrum-half Tobias Botes began complaining that the Munster captain Paul O'Connell wasn't releasing at the ruck. Nigel calls him over… and after a long lecture… ends with "This is not soccer". Class.

2. "Don’t swear, now, you’re on telly, mun.”

Industrial language, sport and live TV? Don't mix, reckoned the Welshman, not altogether seriously. Dan Carter is the man receiving the advice during the 2015 World Cup Final.

#3. "The football stadium is 500 yards that way…"

As one of the best referees in the World, Nigel Owens is appointed to some of the best games in all competitions. We visit the Heineken Cup for number 5 where Belfast side Ulster and English Premiership legends Leicester Tigers line up in a crucial pool match. Tigers centre Anthony Allen doesn't agree with the penalty Nigel's just given against his side so he complains. With most referees you might get away with it, but you're making a huge mistake complaining to Nige. With another football-related response, he replies to Allen, "The football stadium is 500 yards that way".

#4. "I'm straighter than that one…"

Another European Champions Cup match at the Stoop, a 'quins line-out on the half way line goes terribly wrong for Dave Ward. The ball goes so far off-course that even his own team can't get to it.... Owens' turns to him and delivers the brilliant one-liner… "I'm straighter than that one".

#5. "Uhh.. Christopher!"

Once again we revisit the Six Nations and again it involves the French and the English. England captain Chris Robshaw queries Nigel Owens about a French player who was lying around the base of a previous ruck, to which Nigel tells him there was nothing wrong with the play. Robshaw regretfully saying "He was…" to which Owens sarcastically replies "Uhh… Christopher". "Sorry sir", replies Christopher. Classic.