"Doesn't matter where you come from, what the colour of your skin is, what your religious beliefs, what your sexual orientation is; none of that matters one bit. All that matters one bit is that you are treated the same" - what beautiful words to live up to. There are times when I have cursed Nigel Owens and called him blind and incompetent, but more often than not it was me that couldn't see. He epitomizes and embodies what is great about the game of rugby.
My father always taught me that, "son, no man is any better than you, but you are better than no man". Words that have stuck with me throughout my life.... stay humble and treat people the way you would like to be treated. Peace ✌.
This guy is such a legend. He's honest, and quirky in his own way. He's mastered one of the best sports in the world, and is widely respected by his peers, players and fans alike. Nigel Owens, you are the man!
No better referee in modern sport, quite possibly in the history of sport. He's fair, he reads the game as it develops, meaning he's not a complete slave to the laws, which are inflexible to flexible situations, he does it with authority and great wit, and clearly loves the game and doing it. Phenomenal man. Adore him.
It doesn’t matter where he is from guys! You’re all totally missing the point of the video, he is a great professional and a great man, regardless of whether he is Australian, Zimbabwean or from bloody mars!
I don't know anything about rugby and the rules but I have binge watched a lot of Nigel Owens compilations. To me he is THE type of referee, regardless of the sport, that all referees should strive to be like. Strict but fair and doesn't allow a game that gets out of control due to heated emotions... Gotta love it!
That's what I love about our Game! Not only do the Nations, Teams and Individual Players get praised, but our Referees too also deserve recognition, and they get that! #NZ #PADDIEOBRIENSTANDARDS #RESPECT
The best Ref ever in any sport. Talk to the players and they will respect you! He did that in every match he refereed. He knew the game and rules and very seldom made a bad call! Respect to you Nigel.
I remember reffing a game this game that the final score was somewhere around 60-0. If you have ever been in a game like that, you know that neither side is having much fun. However, after the game, players from both teams came up to me and told me that that was the most fun game they had ever played. That is my proudest moment as a ref.
I never thought I'd be interested in a referee because of his talent and humour. A brilliant referee who earned respect with an unbiased delivery of the rules.
You know it's a good sport when the top refs get as much respect from the fans as the top players do. Need mics on refs in other sports so we can see their personalities and understand their decisions better.
@@Itsatimething sureley that's a clear sign that the sport has some real issues? The referee should have teh respect of the players that they are ultimately in charge of and shouldn't be afraid of having their words mic'd
Unfortunately, refs are not shown as much respect in other sorts so it would be awful. For example, players in football swear at refs like a sailor. Players in rugby would get sent off they disrespected the ref
It would never happen in football because if the authorities and fans heard the abuse the refs get from players and managers many teams might struggle to put a team out some weeks.
You know when you see the name 'Nigel Owens - Referee' there is no point as a player arguing, he knows his stuff and he is the best. One moment I remember is when he was like "The football field is just down the road."
Nigel Owens is fair and consistent, which is all anyone can ask of a referee. Players and spectators alike trust him. 1:18 David Pocock is a true 80-minute player. Right at the end of the World Cup Final, when Beauden Barrett was heading for the final try, who was the nearest Australian player to him and who was outrunning the nearest Australian back? Pocock never gives up. Great player.
Just because you can't say enough about a great man like Nigel. When I watch England there are certain referees that always make me think, Well England won't get many decisions going for them here. And I'm confident that whomever you support you get that same feeling from some officials. I would have been happy to see Nigel on the pitch refereeing England and Wales at anytime. What a referee he was!
That's right Nigel mate, respect and equality for all in equal measure. Nigel's a good man to wh did an amazing job within a tough and brilliant sport. He showed that big men to whom play rugby are respectful to the last, showing exactly how you should be when being spoken to by an authority on what ever subject or world You're in and being spoken to about, especially when that person knows more about said subject than the person he talking too.
What a great man! What a great ref! What an ambassador for the sport of Rugby Union! Wish there were more people in this world like Nigel! A true gentleman!
50 years ago, when i played, we oft had a ref who started every match with, "Law number one: we are all gentlemen. Law number two; rugby is just a game." He made the respect easy and the game fun. I am reminded of him every time I see Mr. Owens. Such people make rugby the greatest and made it into the game which defeated apartheid.
The greatest thing you can say about anyone involved in sport, is that when they retire the game is in some way slightly diminished. It happens a lot with the great players, Dan Carter, McGraw, Johnny Wilkinson and Jona Lomu to name but a few. It occasionally happens when a commentator retires, Ted lowe from Snooker and John Motson from football spring to mind. But it is rare indeed when it happens when an official retires. It certainly did when you retired Mr Owens!
No need for the haughty statement that other sports lack respect. All sports include elements of respect, they're just not as widely broadcast or manically wanked over as in rugby. This pompous and deluded attitude from rugby actually turns people off the sport rather than impress potential new fans. If you want to be a great sport just concentrate on BEING a great sport. Then there would be no need for sanctimonious comments like yours.
@@jaspercoetzee4880 So you're saying that only rugby - and no other sport - includes respect. Thanks for proving my point. Rather than me "concentrating on those sports" maybe you and the rest of rugby should concentrate on simply enjoying their own without all of the comparisons with others.
@@jaspercoetzee4880 Which is exactly what rugby needs to do with other sports. No one cares if rugby thinks it's better, harder and more respectful, so the pompous lecturing and unprovoked comparisons need to stop.
Ive never really followed Rugby as a sport, but have always admired and appreciated the respect shown to officials and other players. As the saying goes, "Rugby is a thugs game, played by gentlemen"
Very popular man in my household, fair, firm and very funny. Favourite moment?. When he showed a red card to a ball-boy who accidentally hit him on the back of the scone with the ball !!!, hilarious. Lovely guy..
what a man soo much respect for him may he ref for many years to come. And he is correct by the way Rugby is an awesome game played with a lot of respect for each other
It's coming to the USA. The same is true for football/soccer. I love it! We're not all a bunch of idiots, the same is most likely true of your country. Good competition is always productive! Let's keep it friendly as we can!
Fair play to you Yanks for investing heavily in the game. The Rugby 7s in San Diego adds lots of fans, but player development is astonishing. You've soundly beaten us Canadians the last few times out, which goes to show your ride and our decline. Of your RWC 2015 was anything to go by, there could be some big surprises in store for world rugby at RWC 2019. Keep at it!
1:52 - 2:55 is probably the most important aspect of refereeing. Something Rugby has been so good at and most other popular sports have been so bad at.
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"Doesn't matter where you come from, what the colour of your skin is, what your religious beliefs, what your sexual orientation is; none of that matters one bit. All that matters one bit is that you are treated the same" - what beautiful words to live up to. There are times when I have cursed Nigel Owens and called him blind and incompetent, but more often than not it was me that couldn't see. He epitomizes and embodies what is great about the game of rugby.
Here Here. Well said Brian.
Great comment Brian
My father always taught me that, "son, no man is any better than you, but you are better than no man". Words that have stuck with me throughout my life.... stay humble and treat people the way you would like to be treated. Peace ✌.
@@Celticbhoy-1888 Your Father is a wise man
@@Celticbhoy-1888 awesome words from your father.
This guy is such a legend. He's honest, and quirky in his own way. He's mastered one of the best sports in the world, and is widely respected by his peers, players and fans alike. Nigel Owens, you are the man!
An absolute top bloke!
best reff in the world I wish Nigel was a Kiwi
the all blacks don't need any help.. a suffering aussie
And he's openly Welsh !!
Oooooh! Sneaky!
"Even I'm straighter than that line out "
Nigel Owens
Ryan Hickey 'If you don't like the scrum, you're in the wrong position'.
No better referee in modern sport, quite possibly in the history of sport.
He's fair, he reads the game as it develops, meaning he's not a complete slave to the laws, which are inflexible to flexible situations, he does it with authority and great wit, and clearly loves the game and doing it. Phenomenal man. Adore him.
Dickie Bird (cricket umpire) was also brilliant and very well respected in his sport.
As a Munster/Ireland supporter, I am always glad to see Nigel officiating as we are guaranteed fair play
G Mac - I'm Leinster/Ireland and like you, always glad to see Nigel as referee. He's not just the best - he's the best by a very long country mile!
Nice to see Pocock recognised for his exemplary sportsmanship
And he is south african
Zimbabwean
Australian
Pocock is pure class. He's Zimbabwean by birth but would probably self describe as Australian.
It doesn’t matter where he is from guys! You’re all totally missing the point of the video, he is a great professional and a great man, regardless of whether he is Australian, Zimbabwean or from bloody mars!
I don't know anything about rugby and the rules but I have binge watched a lot of Nigel Owens compilations.
To me he is THE type of referee, regardless of the sport, that all referees should strive to be like.
Strict but fair and doesn't allow a game that gets out of control due to heated emotions...
Gotta love it!
I'm kiwi. So much respect for Nigel Owens, great ref and great man. Thanks Nigel 👍
makes me proud to have been part of the rugby family . I still hold the respect values very close to my heart ..
rugby THE sport
The guy only has the very best interest of rugby at heart.Good man.
An enjoyable interview that really helps confirm why I admire him as a Ref & a person.
What a man he really is, honest, passionate and humble, Nigel Owens I salute u sir, true legend!!
He's a world class referee because I think he's a world class man
Gillian Jones nan?
That's what I love about our Game! Not only do the Nations, Teams and Individual Players get praised, but our Referees too also deserve recognition, and they get that! #NZ #PADDIEOBRIENSTANDARDS #RESPECT
The best Ref ever in any sport. Talk to the players and they will respect you! He did that in every match he refereed. He knew the game and rules and very seldom made a bad call! Respect to you Nigel.
I remember reffing a game this game that the final score was somewhere around 60-0. If you have ever been in a game like that, you know that neither side is having much fun. However, after the game, players from both teams came up to me and told me that that was the most fun game they had ever played.
That is my proudest moment as a ref.
Is rugby lucky to have this kind of personality in the game, just a superb man
I never thought I'd be interested in a referee because of his talent and humour. A brilliant referee who earned respect with an unbiased delivery of the rules.
Best referee in any sport, and a great role model for any man. Huge respect.
This man deserves a sports personality of the year award
You know it's a good sport when the top refs get as much respect from the fans as the top players do. Need mics on refs in other sports so we can see their personalities and understand their decisions better.
Will never happen. I'm a football referee, it would be disastrous for it to happen.
@@Itsatimething why would it be disastrous?
@@Itsatimething sureley that's a clear sign that the sport has some real issues? The referee should have teh respect of the players that they are ultimately in charge of and shouldn't be afraid of having their words mic'd
Unfortunately, refs are not shown as much respect in other sorts so it would be awful. For example, players in football swear at refs like a sailor. Players in rugby would get sent off they disrespected the ref
It would never happen in football because if the authorities and fans heard the abuse the refs get from players and managers many teams might struggle to put a team out some weeks.
Even if England were playing Wales, I still believe this man would referee the game correctly.
He was granted permission to referee Wales vBarbarians last year.
1642- Nemo Me Impune Lacessit, I agree, aslong as the result is also correct, Wales Win.
He referees on what he see. Best ever.
100% he is a professional
Defo he is a great pro referee
A man of many words. But those words spoken at the end are the most honest and correct I have ever heard.
best ref in the world - sorry about the drunken hug I gave you in Cardiff after ABs vs France! Was in pretty high spirits haha
Don't think he is sorry..
Never have to apologise for times like that
You know when you see the name 'Nigel Owens - Referee' there is no point as a player arguing, he knows his stuff and he is the best. One moment I remember is when he was like "The football field is just down the road."
Respect. I fully agree with you Nigel - this is what society lacks. Legend.
Not only is he the benchmark for referees, also the benchmark for human beings Great guy
Great comment Tommy, and I agree with you.
Only ref fit to ref a eorld cup final ,he is just pure honest ,no personal feelings ,total professional respect from Ireland 🇮🇪 👏
I'm not even a rugby fan, but after watching this video and one of his best moments, I've got huge respect for the guy.
I love the way Nigel Owens talks about rugby - took the words right out of my mouth. Wish more people could see this video. ❤❤❤
Nigel Owens is fair and consistent, which is all anyone can ask of a referee. Players and spectators alike trust him.
1:18 David Pocock is a true 80-minute player. Right at the end of the World Cup Final, when Beauden Barrett was heading for the final try, who was the nearest Australian player to him and who was outrunning the nearest Australian back? Pocock never gives up. Great player.
Great guy. He has made such a contribution to the game. He always makes me laugh when watching.
Great ref who cares about Rugby with a passion.
A great referee. I miss him refereeing, but fortunately, he is there on tv, giving his very worthwhile opinion.
He's by the far the best rugby referee out there huge respect for him
Just because you can't say enough about a great man like Nigel. When I watch England there are certain referees that always make me think, Well England won't get many decisions going for them here. And I'm confident that whomever you support you get that same feeling from some officials. I would have been happy to see Nigel on the pitch refereeing England and Wales at anytime. What a referee he was!
The best referee ever and a cracking singer of Welsh tunes 👌
That's right Nigel mate, respect and equality for all in equal measure.
Nigel's a good man to wh did an amazing job within a tough and brilliant sport.
He showed that big men to whom play rugby are respectful to the last, showing exactly how you should be when being spoken to by an authority on what ever subject or world You're in and being spoken to about, especially when that person knows more about said subject than the person he talking too.
Football and the players could learn a lot from this game and Nigel Owens
What a great man! What a great ref! What an ambassador for the sport of Rugby Union! Wish there were more people in this world like Nigel! A true gentleman!
I hate to say this about a ref but Nigel Owens is the best out there and by far the funniest
Why is it so hard to like refs?
0westdude shame he can't ref wales, instead of that stupid Rolland or Barnes.
0westdude hi
I honestly think that jaco peyper is, he is the only ref ive seen smile
He really is an amazing man, very inspirational
What a lovely man
50 years ago, when i played, we oft had a ref who started every match with, "Law number one: we are all gentlemen. Law number two; rugby is just a game." He made the respect easy and the game fun. I am reminded of him every time I see Mr. Owens. Such people make rugby the greatest and made it into the game which defeated apartheid.
…this guy N.O. is just way out!
FANTASTIC!!
👊
Simon is a legend of that game. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
The greatest thing you can say about anyone involved in sport, is that when they retire the game is in some way slightly diminished. It happens a lot with the great players, Dan Carter, McGraw, Johnny Wilkinson and Jona Lomu to name but a few. It occasionally happens when a commentator retires, Ted lowe from Snooker and John Motson from football spring to mind. But it is rare indeed when it happens when an official retires. It certainly did when you retired Mr Owens!
I’m always impressed by Nigel. His great personality and his great love for the game.
What a brilliant referee this man is he is an absolute credit !
Nigel Owens is such a class act! The only comparison in football I can think of is Perluigi Collina.
What a legend, sir nigel. We thank you
Top man!! He talks so much sense, should be PM!
Nigel Owens will go down in history as one of the most important figures in Rugby.
I agree with Nigel. Rugby union means respect and other sports have to learn.
No need for the haughty statement that other sports lack respect. All sports include elements of respect, they're just not as widely broadcast or manically wanked over as in rugby. This pompous and deluded attitude from rugby actually turns people off the sport rather than impress potential new fans. If you want to be a great sport just concentrate on BEING a great sport. Then there would be no need for sanctimonious comments like yours.
@@Leifr952 what a idiot. Concentrate on those sports arsehole
@@jaspercoetzee4880 So you're saying that only rugby - and no other sport - includes respect. Thanks for proving my point. Rather than me "concentrating on those sports" maybe you and the rest of rugby should concentrate on simply enjoying their own without all of the comparisons with others.
Mate I didn't say that. Just consentrate on those sports and leave rugby alone.
@@jaspercoetzee4880 Which is exactly what rugby needs to do with other sports. No one cares if rugby thinks it's better, harder and more respectful, so the pompous lecturing and unprovoked comparisons need to stop.
Great man, great referee.
Ive never really followed Rugby as a sport, but have always admired and appreciated the respect shown to officials and other players. As the saying goes, "Rugby is a thugs game, played by gentlemen"
Very popular man in my household, fair, firm and very funny.
Favourite moment?. When he showed a red card to a ball-boy who accidentally hit him on the back of the scone with the ball !!!, hilarious. Lovely guy..
One of the greatest and, more importantly, fairest referees in the world.
There will never be a better ref in rugby....ever, a true legend of the sport..
I don't think it's respect initially, I think it's common courtesy, the respect is earned and my word Mr Owens have you earned it! 👍
Simply the best referee by far, and not to forget a superb human guy, sorry Gentleman!
Pocock a good bloke.
what a man soo much respect for him may he ref for many years to come. And he is correct by the way Rugby is an awesome game played with a lot of respect for each other
He IS the absolute best of all time!
woah that got pretty inspirational at the end there
Brilliant Ref. 🏴
Great guy. Need refs with passion and as much skill as the players..
Well,said Nigel. Top man.
Fair play Nigel, what a legend!!!
Can't wait for the next World Cup!
What a man
It's coming to the USA. The same is true for football/soccer. I love it! We're not all a bunch of idiots, the same is most likely true of your country. Good competition is always productive! Let's keep it friendly as we can!
Fair play to you Yanks for investing heavily in the game. The Rugby 7s in San Diego adds lots of fans, but player development is astonishing. You've soundly beaten us Canadians the last few times out, which goes to show your ride and our decline. Of your RWC 2015 was anything to go by, there could be some big surprises in store for world rugby at RWC 2019. Keep at it!
Lmao 45-7
Nigel has followers all over the world!
Nigel Owens,RESPECT👍
Great interview and no truer words spoken..
This man and jaco peyper are my absolute favourites, owens is professional, and peyper at least knows how to smile
Un capo este señor el mejor de todos.
Good words at the end
Amen Mr Nigel
Surely the 2 dislikes have at some point been on the receiving end of a red from Owens?
Israel Folau put most of them on!
Nigel Owen, Wayne Barnes , Jerome Gracias, Jaco Peyper my ref idols in rugby
Well said!
Barnes? Nuh, too many odd calls in big games....
Love you nige Definitely my fav ref
Nigel epitomizes rugby; anyone can play. Fabulous ref and ambassador of the game.
There is no other ref in any game that is respected like this man.
nigel owens is the best that there can ever be
End of an era.
I don't know pretty much nothing about Rugby, but I can tell that man is a legend.
Honestly love Nigel
Great referee and a great man
Did anyone else just watch an ad that had Nigel Owens in it before the video played
I had it after instead
Love this guy, class act
Nigel is such a legend
Well said, Nigel. Always well said.
im a huge irish rugby fan and i hated everytime Nigel Owens reffed our matches because he never missed anything , we will miss you
Quality man and ref
The best referee and his Welsh accent makes him more better
He is a brilliant referee
one of the best figure in the world sport...
1:52 - 2:55 is probably the most important aspect of refereeing. Something Rugby has been so good at and most other popular sports have been so bad at.