Much-loved Welsh referee Nigel Owens turns 47 today so we thought it perfect timing to run down the nine best moments of his distinguished career.
Nigel Owens Best Moments:
1. Owens gives ball boy a yellow card
The Welshman gives the ball boy a yellow card after being hit by a ball in Leinster's win against Scarlets.
2. 'Come back when Newcastle United are playing'
He was an internet sensation yet again after telling Scotland’s Stuart Hogg to stop diving – or return to play for Newcastle United in a fortnight.
3. Receiving his MBE
Owens has been decorated for Services to Sport although his charity work has also been recognised in the official citation.
4. Refereeing the World Cup final
CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 17: Referee Nigel Owens signals during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between New Zealand and France at the Millennium Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matt Lewis - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)[/caption]
5. The cheeky two-fingered salute
He asked for a wave and got a cheeky two-fingered salute from the world’s greatest rugby referee. Owens later sent the young man his signed referee jersey.
6. 'This is not soccer'
7. "I’m straighter than that."
Owens tells Harlequins hooker Dave Ward that he’s straighter than his line out throws…
8. Becoming the most capped referee of all-time
In 2016 he became the most-capped rugby referee when he took charge of the Fiji-Tonga clash in Suva, overtaking Jonathan Kaplan's record of 70 tests.
9. Coming out as gay
Owens publicly came out as gay in an interview with Wales on Sunday.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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