"I’ve been lucky to take charge of so many greats" - Retiring Nigel Owens picks the FIVE best players he refereed

The 2015 World Cup final referee has taken charge of his last professional game of rugby and is now focused on life on the farm.

He will still be employed by the WRU next season, coaching young refs, and will take charge of the odd club game, while also doing media work.

But you won’t see the 50-year-old out on the big stage any more.

Owens, who named his all-time dream team a few years back, also selected five players for extra praise

OWENS SAID: “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. Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."

OWENS SAID: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory. Never took a backward step, stood tall and was a man others would follow."

OWENS SAID: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow. A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."

OWENS SAID: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats. But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age. He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps."

OWENS SAID: "If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards. How McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible. A terrific leader."