Nigel Owens and Wayne Barnes agree on the worst rugby player to referee

Saturday, 16 May 2026 at 18:02

bySteven Smith

Two of the greatest referees ever to wield an ACME Whistle, Nigel Owens and Wayne Barnes, have lifted the lid on the players who gave them the toughest time out in the middle.

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From master tacticians who knew the rule book inside out to players who just wouldn’t stop yapping, both whistleblowers have shared their toughest encounters.

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Nigel Owens – The King of the One-Liners

A cult icon of the sport, Nigel Owens took charge of more than 100 Test matches, earning a reputation not only for elite game management but for razor-sharp humour.

After starting out in 1987 on the advice of his PE teacher, the Welshman went on to control 210 PRO14 matches and the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, becoming one of rugby’s most recognisable voices.

Wayne Barnes – The Law Book in Human Form

England’s Wayne Barnes was famed for his technical precision and unflappable composure. Debuting at Test level in 2006, he became the first referee to officiate five Rugby World Cups, including the 2023 final.

A barrister by trade, Barnes built a career on clarity, accuracy and absolute authority.

5. Dan Biggar – The Perfectionist Fly-Half

OWENS SAID: “Oh god yes. He’s so focused and so passionate about what he’s doing. We’ve had a few run-ins on the pitch down the years, but it’s always been in a respectful way—we always have a drink and a laugh after the game.”

Who is Dan Biggar?
One of Wales’ most intense competitors, Dan Biggar built his career on precision, passion and fire. A driving force behind Wales’ 2019 Grand Slam, he also gained worldwide attention for his famous pre-kick routine—nicknamed The Biggarena in homage to Los Del Rio’s Macarena

4. Martin Johnson – The Captain Who Scared Referees

BARNES SAID: “I was always petrified of him because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership. I had to sin-bin him once and I actually apologised as I did it. I said, ‘I’m very sorry I have to do this’ because he’s such a big personality. He scared me witless!”

Who was Martin Johnson?
A true England great, Martin Johnson lifted the 2003 Rugby World Cup, captained the British & Irish Lions twice and became one of the most commanding figures the sport has ever seen. Later taking charge as England head coach, he guided them to the 2011 Six Nations title.

3. Austin Healey – The Original Mouthpiece

OWENS SAID: “Definitely. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully. A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty to say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him. He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”

Who was Austin Healey?
Known as “The Leicester Lip”, Austin Healey matched his brilliance with equal levels of chat. Capable of playing almost anywhere in the backline, he starred for England and the Lions, but became legendary for winding up opponents—and occasionally the officials too.

2. Maro Itoje – The Ultimate Nuisance

OWENS SAID: “Itoje is someone who plays right on the edge. That is what makes him such a great player. He must be so difficult to play against, but he’s also difficult to referee—and I mean that with the utmost respect.”

BARNES SAID: "The hardest players are the best players."

Who is Maro Itoje?
A modern superstar, Maro Itoje has become one of England’s defining forces. A three-time Lions tourist and serial Premiership and Champions Cup winner, he’s built a reputation on disruption, intensity and relentless pressure—giving opposition forwards and referees the same headache.

1. Richie McCaw – The Master of the Dark Arts

BARNES SAID: “Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time. Sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control.

Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field—he just knew the law book inside out, and when he asked a question, he often had a point.”

OWENS SAID: "If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards."

Who was McCaw?
An All Blacks titan, Richie McCaw won the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and claimed three World Rugby Player of the Year awards. With 148 caps, he became notorious for pushing the breakdown to the absolute limit—operating in the shadows better than anyone before or since.