Statement: Former Wales international Jones has passed away

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A one-club legend, Jones dedicated an astonishing 70 years to Newport RFC, racking up 330 appearances on the field and going on to serve as captain, coach, chairman, and eventually president. Simply put – if Newport RFC had a heartbeat, it was Brian Jones.

Jones wasn’t just a stalwart at club level. He also made his mark on the international stage with two caps for Wales, debuting against Ireland in 1960. But it was his record against the southern hemisphere giants that truly sealed his name in rugby folklore.

He became just the second player ever – after the legendary Percy Bush – to help defeat all three of the southern hemisphere’s big guns on Welsh soil. Jones played in Newport’s famous win over Australia in 1957, helped the Barbarians down South Africa in 1960, and celebrated a legendary win over the All Blacks at Rodney Parade in 1963.

After hanging up his boots, Jones continued to build his legacy. As a coach, he led Newport to the Welsh championship in 1969 and masterminded a historic win over the Springboks in the same year – proving his rugby brain was just as sharp as his on-field presence.

Newport RFC paid tribute to their icon, stating:

There may never be another quite like Brian Jones – a titan of Welsh rugby, a pillar of Newport, and a man whose name will be sung in Rodney Parade for generations to come.

Arguably, the three worst players to deal with these days are Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.

Owens has had his say on all three, ranking them from worst to best.

Farrell, the English rugby captain, epitomizes leadership and respect. Renowned for his versatility as a fly-half or centre, he combines skill and discipline, serving as a linchpin in England's rugby campaigns.

Nigel Owens said: "I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.

"I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.

"I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that."

Biggar, the Welsh rugby sensation, is celebrated for his unwavering focus and passion. A prolific fly-half, he has charmed fans with his skill and respect on and off the field.

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."

Sexton, the Irish rugby maestro, leads with intelligence and grit. As a world-class fly-half, he's earned his place among the rugby elite through precise decision-making and relentless determination.

Owens on Sexton and Biggar: “I’ll tell you what, they’re probably the best two referees in the world, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton, because when you ref them they always think they know more than you!”

Owens also named the referee who would make the best player, as well as the referee who would make the worst player.

“Which referee fancies themselves as the best player? Well, that would be Nic Berry, because he played at the top level for Wasps and [Racing 92] as a very, very talented scrum-half and a very talented referee as well,” Owens said.