Angry Nigel Owens calls for ban after France stars football-style flop

Monday, 21 April 2025 at 10:05

byRugby Rucker

Legendary referee Nigel Owens has called out Nolann Le Garrec for what he’s branded a
ridiculous dive during Racing 92’s Top 14 clash with Perpignan – and he wants action taken.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

Channeling his inner Neymar
With Racing 92 trailing 28-17 in the 70th minute and down to 14 men after Vinaya Habosi’s red card, Le Garrec theatrically threw himself to the ground clutching his face in a desperate attempt to win a penalty. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work.

A growing concern
The moment has sparked a fierce backlash, with Owens leading the charge. The Welsh whistle-blower, who officiated over 100 international matches, believes simulation is creeping into the sport – and it’s something rugby cannot allow to take root.

He wrote on X"He is lucky I wasn’t refin or he would have had a straight red no hesitation,"

Will the authorities act?
It remains to be seen whether Le Garrec will face any retrospective punishment, but one thing’s certain – Owens isn’t keeping quiet about it.

RugbyInsideLine

@RugbyInsideLine

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🍿 Proper theatre from Le Garrec here. Deserves a ban for it. Got to stamp this kind of stuff out of the game where possible.

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1:11 PM · Apr 20, 2025

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5 Big-Name Stars Set to Miss Out on the Lions Squad – Including Finn Russell!

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad announcement just around the corner, the rumour mill is already in overdrive. Andy Farrell’s selection promises to be one of the boldest in recent history—and not everyone is safe.

While some players have all but booked their tickets to Australia, others are sweating bullets. Whether it’s poor form, fierce competition, or a coach with long memories, a few major names could be on the chopping block.

Here are five shock omissions we think are on the cards—and why their Lions dreams might be dead before the squad is even named…

1. Russell's Rollercoaster Could Crash Early

Finn Russell (Scotland)

Moments of magic? Always. But consistency? Not so much. Russell’s 2025 Six Nations was a mixed bag at best. A missed conversion against England and a disastrous showing versus France have left serious questions about his big-game temperament.

Add in the appointment of Johnny Sexton as Lions assistant coach, and things start looking bleak. In his autobiography, Sexton slammed Russell’s 2021 selection as a media-driven hype job—and he hasn’t softened since.

“If you want someone reliable in the trenches, you go with Owen Farrell,” Sexton recently told The Times, taking a not-so-subtle dig at Russell’s “flashy” style. He even spared Marcus Smith, calling him a “generational talent.” Finn? Not so lucky.

2. Ringrose Running Out of Time

Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

Not long ago, Ringrose looked like a nailed-on Lion. But a rocky Six Nations campaign could have sunk his chances. He was solid in Ireland’s first couple of games, then saw red against Wales and missed the crunch clash with France. His return against Italy? Ropey.

He’s still a classy operator on his day, but with Farrell spoiled for choice in the midfield, Ringrose may find himself edged out by younger, more in-form options.

3. Slade Slide May Prove Terminal

Henry Slade (England)

Once considered one of England’s most gifted backs, Slade’s stock has taken a major hit. His partnership with Ollie Lawrence was under heavy scrutiny heading into the Six Nations—and despite some signs of improvement, it didn’t last.

Fraser Dingwall took his place in the England squad, and now Slade’s international future—and Lions hopes—look grim. Having already missed out on the 2023 World Cup, the Exeter man may once again fall victim to poor form at the worst possible time.

4. Ritchie Rich... But Is It Enough?

Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)

He was one of Scotland’s top performers in the Six Nations—but that might not be enough. The Lions back-row battle is absolutely brutal this year, and with Jack Willis tearing it up in France, Farrell might favour more dominant ball-carriers and jackalers.

Ritchie has leadership and work rate in spades, but he could become the unlucky victim of ridiculous depth in one of the tour’s most hotly contested positions.

5. O'Mahony's Last Dance Could Be In The Studio

Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)

The veteran flanker rolled back the years against Scotland, delivering one of the performances of the tournament—but that flash of vintage POM might have been his swan song. His form faded fast, and a tough showing against France left fans wondering if the tank’s finally empty.

He’s since hung up his boots for Ireland, and unless Farrell is picking on nostalgia, O'Mahony is more likely to be analysing Lions games for Sky Sports than playing in them.