Worth noting that he was one fo the first to come out openly in a macho game not noted for its open-mindedness. Yet another reason I respect him. And to be fair, no player ever disrespected him for it - at least not to his face!
Nigel started Reffing at his old school after graduating because his ex headmaster asked him for the favour. He shortly became a proffessional Ref. He does not have children as he is openly gay. Until he retired because he was a little old for charging up and down those long fields he was a hugely respected international Ref in a very macho game. When he heard a newspaper was going to reveal his status he came out openly. Such was the respect he was held in the game, it was a non issue. That's why he makes fun of it and himself "I'm straighter than that one"
I wish football/soccer refs had that level of authority.
Great reaction folks
❤️👍🏽👍☘️
Nigel was so respected as an International referee that he was allowed to referee games where Wales were playing, because he was impartial to a fault.
Nigel Owens is Wales. He is retired. He is the most respected ref. Another ref you look up is Wayne Barnes
welsh
Respect for your opponents and the Referee is one of the basic rules of rugby.
His comment “I’m straighter than that one” is about the throw not being straight and about himself being gay.
Was the funniest comment from Nigel but went over their heads😅
Worth noting that he was one fo the first to come out openly in a macho game not noted for its open-mindedness. Yet another reason I respect him. And to be fair, no player ever disrespected him for it - at least not to his face!
Hope you guys enjoy your rugby journey
He has to be one of the best refs in professional sports not just rugby.
Nigel started Reffing at his old school after graduating because his ex headmaster asked him for the favour. He shortly became a proffessional Ref. He does not have children as he is openly gay. Until he retired because he was a little old for charging up and down those long fields he was a hugely respected international Ref in a very macho game. When he heard a newspaper was going to reveal his status he came out openly. Such was the respect he was held in the game, it was a non issue. That's why he makes fun of it and himself "I'm straighter than that one"
Sometimes I worry when you put the subtitles on because, quite frankly, they can be shite. I think if you just listen, you'll get it.