NIGEL OWENS

BIOGRAPHY

 

Nigel first picked up the referee whistle aged sixteen and officiated his first international game in 2005 between Ireland and Japan in Osaka. Since then, Nigel has refereed in four Rugby World Cups, and  has officiated over a record seven Heineken Cup finals and over a record Six Pro 14 Cup finals and became the first referee to officiate 100 test matches.

 

Aside from refereeing, Nigel is a co-presenter on S4C’s Jonathan – the rugby-themed Welsh language show hosted by Jonathan Davies. For his dedication to sport and good causes, Nigel was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at both Swansea and South Wales University and an Honorary Fellowship at both Cardiff Met University and Cardiff University and most recently an Honorary Doctorate at Bath university.”

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Nigel Owens MBE is recognised as one of the world’s best rugby referees with a reputation that is second to none. He holds the record for the most international tests matches refereed.  The pinnacle of his career was being chosen to referee the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham. A TV presenter, author and referee, Nigel’s witty, no-nonsense responses to ruby players that breech the rules are legendary and has earned him the utmost respect of senior players and pundits Worldwide.

 

Growing up on a council estate in Mynyddcerrig, West Wales, the road to sporting notoriety has not being an easy one. Nigel has overcome mental health issues, eating disorders and struggled with his sexuality to eventually became the first openly gay man to come out in professional rugby.

 

Considered a role model for diversity and inclusion, Nigel was named ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Year’ by gay rights group Stonewall at its annual 2007 awards ceremony in London and then the Gay Sports Personality of the Decade in 2016. In 2017 he presented the Panorama programme on Eating Disorders in Men and Boys and won huge plaudits for his Desert Island Discs programme on Radio 4 hosted by Kirsty Young.

 

Through his remarkable career, Nigel has been recognised by both academics and leading bodies for his contribution to the Welsh language, mental health, diversity and inclusion and was also awarded an MBE for his services to Sport in 2016.

 

Nigel retired from refereeing international rugby matches around world after becoming the first referee ever to reach a 100 international matches, and has been used to showing a range of leadership skills whilst dealing with difficult stakeholders when under extreme pressure.  

 

During this inspirational talk, Nigel will talk personally about his life’s journey as he battled adversity, the inner strength he has needed on and off the pitch and the need to be true to himself.

 

 His hilarious and interesting tales from his stellar career as the best referee of his generation also make him one of the most in demand after dinner speakers for any kind of event. He also has the unique ability to combine both the humour and the  personnel keynote as one for events that require a bit of the both.