Popular Welsh referee Nigel Owens tied the knot with his long-term partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, earlier this month.
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The couple, who have been together for several years, exchanged vows in a private ceremony, marking a new chapter in their lives.
Jones-Davies, a primary school teacher, and Owens, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby referees of all time, share not only a deep personal bond but also a passion for farming, which they manage together in the picturesque Gwendraeth Valley.
The 51-year-old Owens, who officiated 100 test matches before retiring in 2020, has remained active in the rugby world through various advisory roles with the Welsh Rugby Union, the United Rugby Championship, and World Rugby.
However, despite receiving a tempting offer from South Africa’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, to join the Springboks’ coaching team for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Owens revealed that he had to decline the opportunity.
In his column for Wales Online, Owens explained that the timing was not right, primarily due to exciting developments in his personal life. “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.
He expressed his excitement about becoming a parent, a journey the couple has been preparing for over the past few years. “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,” Owens admitted.
Recognizing the immense responsibility that comes with raising a child, Owens emphasized that family must come first. “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,” he added.
While Owens continues to be a prominent figure in rugby, his focus is now shifting towards the joys and challenges of parenthood. Fans of the Welsh referee will undoubtedly wish him and Barrie all the best as they embark on this new and exciting chapter together.
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Delving into his honourable mentions and other interviews, we’ve compiled Owens’ Six Nations dream team, necessitating six changes from his original selection.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”