Legendary Referee Nigel Owens Calls it Quits from International Rugby

(Photo : Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Welsh rugby union referee Nigel Owens announced his official retirement on December 11.

Welsh rugby union referee Nigel Owens announced his official retirement on December 11.

Nigel Owens, a Carmarthenshire native, was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2016. During that time, he only had 71 test matches that he officiated.

The Welsh referee now holds the current world record for the highest number of test matches. He capped 100 test matches in his 17-year career in international rugby.

His 100th test match happened last month when France defeated Italy, 36-5 in the Group B stage of the Autumn Nations Cup at Stade de France.

"The 100th game was a special milestone to reach," Nigel Owens said. "Nobody has a divine right to go on forever."

His first international debut was in February 2003, when he officiated the match between Portugal and Georgia. He immediately gained the attention of fans due to his humorous style of officiating.

In an interview by BBC Sport Wales, Nigel Owens commented that it becomes more difficult as a person gets older. The Welsh legend believed that others might not appreciate the job of a referee; even being away from the family doubles the burden.

On a serious note, Nigel Owens is a goal-oriented person. Taking each step one at a time is important, then setting a new goal was his target.

The 49-year-old still hopes to officiate club matches in the community. It means that Owens still wants to handle the PRO14 this year and the 2021-2022 season.

When asked about refereeing the 2023 World Cup, he said he does not want the role anymore. In light of that, he also wants to pursue a coaching profession under WRU to help the aspiring referees to improve in pursuing their referee careers.

In 2015, he officiated the Rugby World Cup, together with other European club competitions. Before that, his first World Cup participation took place in France 13 years ago.

Nigel Owens took a glimpse at his past test matches. He later recalled some memorable internationals, including the 2013 South Africa and New Zealand match, the seven Champions Cup finals, and the two Challenge Cup finals, to name a few. The Pencoed under 12s v Cwmbran also had a special place in his heart.

During his time being a referee, people would often ask Nigel Owens about his country Wales. He was always questioned if ever Wales could be given a chance for the Rugby World Cup Final in exchange for his demotion. The Welsh referee responded that it is nice to see his country represent the World Cup finals someday.

In 2007, Nigel Owens spoke to the public about his sexual orientation. In an interview with Wales on Sunday, he came out as gay. The announcement was difficult for him, as he remembered how he dealt with suicide when he was 11 years old.

Nigel Owens, who will turn 50 next year, is planning to start a family with his long-term partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, a primary school teacher in Llandovery.