Nigel Owens selects the FIVE 'most talented' players he refereed

Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, is now the Scotland captain.

"He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does."

Did you know? In 2012, following his Scotland debut, he discovered he was a distant relative of George Best

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 or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."

Did you know? Parisse was born in La Plata, capital of Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian parents

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.

Did you know? It was revealed at his retirement announcement in 2015 that McCaw would work at Christchurch Helicopters, where he is a Director and Shareholder, and was obtaining a commercial helicopter licence.

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."

Did you know? O'Driscoll holds the Six Nations record for most tries scored with 26

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."

Did you know? Williams started his junior career as a scrum-half at Amman United he joined Neath as a second-choice scrum-half. However, it became apparent to Lyn Jones, Neath's then-coach, that Williams simply could not be left out of the side, and placed him on the right wing