It’s not just their roles on the pitch that define match officials. Some of these officials have careers away from rugby, including doctors and solicitors, showcasing the diverse talents and backgrounds that come together to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the game we all love.
As we delve deeper into their day jobs, we gain a fuller appreciation of the multifaceted individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the spirit of rugby in the global arena.
#1. Nigel Owens
Nationality: Welsh
Occupation: Farmer
The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field.
Over the years, Owens has been able to save up to buy his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they’ve built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.
Nigel Owens is going to be a Dad:
The 51-year-old, who officiated 100 test matches before retiring in 2020, said the offer from Rassie Erasmus to join South Africa’s coaching team ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was enticing, but the timing was not right.
“The main reason why I had to turn down the job is because myself and my partner Barrie have some exciting news to share – we are currently in the final stages of the adoption process and will hopefully be starting our family in the coming months,’’ Owens wrote.
“There’s not too much I can say at the moment about the process itself, but we are both incredibly excited. It’s something that we’ve spoken about for a few years now and it’s taken a while to get here, but now that it’s happening we can’t wait, although I must admit it’s also a little nerve-wracking.
“As any parent will tell you, there’s no bigger commitment than raising a child, so that was obviously the main reason why I decided against the South Africa job in the end. I couldn’t, nor would I want to, go away for the next six months with this happening.”
His partner Barrie works off-farm as a primary school teacher.
Nigel Owens toughest player to referee: Austin Healey
OWENS SAID: “Definitely. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully. A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him. He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”
