#1. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton was an Irish rugby union player, renowned as one of the world’s top fly-halves. Leading Ireland and Leinster, Sexton’s tactical brilliance and exceptional kicking skills have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Six Nations titles and the 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year award.
Owens on Sexton and Biggar: “I’ll tell you what, they’re probably the best two referees in the world, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton, because when you ref them they always think they know more than you!”
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Owens also named the referee who would make the best player, as well as the referee who would make the worst player.
“Which referee fancies themselves as the best player? Well, that would be Nic Berry, because he played at the top level for Wasps and [Racing 92] as a very, very talented scrum-half and a very talented referee as well,” Owens said.
“I’ll tell you which referee wouldn’t make a talented player – Wayne Barnes!”