Nigel Owens picks the three 'most annoying' players to referee

During that time, he also took charge of countless Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14, as well as the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

He'll have plenty of special memories after mixing with some of the biggest rugby stars on the planet for well over a decade, but it wasn't all fun and games

After retiring from international rugby, Owens has revealed three of the worst rugby players he ever had to officiate during his career. 

"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 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."

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.

"I mean, it's always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game."

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. 

"He plays with passion and on the line. It is difficult to tell Itoje not to bring the same confrontation and aggression to the game that he usually does. It would take away from his game.

"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."