Nigel Owens rejected a blockbuster coaching role, he's starting a family instead

This decision played a pivotal role in his inability to accept the coaching position offered by Rassie Erasmus for the South African team ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Despite the allure of joining the coaching staff, Owens, who officiated in 100 tests before retiring in 2020, cited timing as the determining factor in his decision.

"I’ve got to think about the farm and all the work that goes with that, as well as my current roles with the WRU, URC and World Rugby," wrote Owens prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup..

"Between overseeing the refereeing academy, coaching officials and doing whistle watch, I’ve got more than enough going on to keep me busy.

"But the main reason why I had to turn down the job is because myself and my partner Barrie have some exciting news to share - we are currently in the final stages of the adoption process and will hopefully be starting our family in the coming months.

"There’s not too much I can say at the moment about the process itself, but we are both incredibly excited. It’s something that we’ve spoken about for a few years now and it’s taken a while to get here, but now that it’s happening we can’t wait, although I must admit it’s also a little nerve-wracking.

"As any parent will tell you, there’s no bigger commitment than raising a child, so that was obviously the main reason why I decided against the South Africa job in the end. I couldn’t, nor would I want to, go away for the next six months with this happening.

"So it’s a case of timing, really. If the Springboks had asked me probably maybe two years ago, then it is something I would have likely said yes to without any real thought.

"I did sit down with a few people and discuss whether I could do it, but there would have been far too much to work around."

Here’s the rundown on how they make extra cash when not taking to the field.

The 41-year-old is an English international rugby union referee and barrister.  It was law he studied at university and a career as a barrister he pursued after graduating, but as he started to progress up the ranks as a referee the RFU offered to employ him in 2005. He’s now refereed more Premiership games than any other official.

The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field. Over the years, Owens has been able to save up to buy his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they've built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle. 

The 38-year-old still operates as an attorney for his family business, Peyper Attorneys while continuing to be one of the worlds best referees.

One of New Zealand's six full-time referees, O'Keeffe is also a qualified doctor specialising in ophthalmology, which deals with eye health and disease. 

Clancy has a master's degree in international relations and worked as a tax official with the Revenue Commissioners. Clancy has also lived with type 1 diabetes for over twenty years. He refereed at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.