Owens is widely regarded as one of world rugby’s elite referees and is enjoying a superb RWC 2015 campaign.
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Taking charge of this weekend’s Rugby World Cup final will be a significant moment for Nigel Owens, who once battled bulimia, depression and steroid addiction as he came to terms with his homosexuality. World Rugby has gravely blundered by giving the final to Owens, a man who has serious form with both New Zealand and Australia. Last year, he was subjected to homophobic abuse at Twickenham during a match between England and New Zealand.
OK, so Owens, aged 44, a veteran of 67 test matches, has been officially named as the man in charge, but it is an appointment that should put joy into the heart of every All Blacks supporter and fear in the soul of the Wallabies.
Irishman John Lacey has been appointed the referee of Friday’s third-place match between two-time world champions South Africa and Argentina. “This is my third World Cup, and it has been the best”. Stand by, Australia and New Zealand. “If you want to dive like that again, come back here in two weeks and play, not today”.
But Owens passed out before he could pull the trigger on the shotgun and passers-by alerted the police.
As he rose to the top of the sport, Owens was also coming to terms with the fact that he was a homosexual. I didn’t tell them why.
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Nothing has stopped New Zealand winger Nehe Milner-Skudder since he emerged on the worldwide scene earlier this year and he is unlikely to be prevented from picking up World Rugby’s new “Breakthrough Player of the Year” award next week. “Now carry on.” He knows precisely when to use stern warning or a few choice words; when giant Harlequins lock Bradley Davies and George Robson of Wasps got to grips, Owens’ response was: “If you want a cwtch (cuddle) do it after the match”.
