Nigel Owens has named the four worst English player he referee with one major surprise

). I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully.

He's now stepped back from professional refereeing all together to concentrate on his other businesses.

One of the teams he's refereed most during his stellar career is England, with Owens having a famously funny run in with former England captain Chris Robshaw.

See below, who he ranked as the toughest to officiate.

DID YOU KNOW? Nigel Owens first game was an under-15s match between Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire at the age of 16

Marler is an English rugby union player recognized for his robust playing style as a prop. Representing Harlequins and England, he's known for his powerful scrummaging and distinctive personality. Marler has been pivotal in club and country victories, including Six Nations titles and Premiership successes.

Owens said: "He was always a funny one on the field in nice way. You'd be trying to tell him something serious and he'd just want to have a laugh and a joke. He'd wink at you on the middle of a serious telling off."

Itoje is an English rugby union player known for his versatility as a lock and flanker. Playing for Saracens and England, he's celebrated for his athleticism, leadership, and on-field intelligence. Itoje has won multiple Premiership and European titles, and has been instrumental in England's international successes.

NIGEL OWENS SAID: "The second-row 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."

"You don’t want him to change the way he plays but he needs to pick and choose when he gambles on the situation and when he doesn’t. And understand better those moments when you are under pressure and knowing when, if you take a risk and get it wrong, you will land your team in real trouble."

DID YOU KNOW? As a schoolboy, Itoje played several sports including basketball, football, rugby and athletics, representing England at U17 level in shot put

Brown is a former English rugby union player celebrated for his career as a full-back. Known for his fearless playing style and defensive prowess, he played for Harlequins and the England national team. Brown's career highlights include multiple Premiership titles and significant contributions to England's international campaigns.

OWENS SAID: "A player who pushed himself, but also sometimes the referee, to their limit due to his intensity. A really nice guy away from the field."

DID YOU KNOW? He has won three Six Nations Championship titles with England and one English Premiership title with Harlequins

Healey is a retired English rugby union player renowned for his versatility, having played at scrum-half, fly-half, wing, and full-back. Representing Leicester Tigers and England, he earned a reputation for his dynamic playing style and sharp wit. Post-retirement, Healey has become a popular rugby pundit and commentator.

OWENS SAID: “Definitely Austin Healey (toughest to referee

"A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty 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.”

DID YOU KNOW? Healey won 51 England caps and 2 Lions caps. He played for England at scrum half, fly-half, fullback and wing