Nigel Owens

I always liked Nigel as a ref - willing to tell front rows exactly what was needed - so far fewer collapses and re-set scrums than with some other test refs - and always prepared to talk to players to explain his decisions, without losing his sense of humour... not always easy!

While he hasnt always had his best games reffing us , particularly against the Osprey he has been an excellent ref , particularly in the bigger games,  and his control of players and empathy with the game is second to none.

Lots of pretty ordinary commentary about Nigel around in the Welsh rugby community down the years. We have a tendency to punish our own when success comes along.

For me, he's attained world class status in his profession, achieved all there is to achieve really. Fantastic.

I can readily see him reffing locally, at any level, for years to come, just loves the game.

Wil Chips wrote: Lots of pretty ordinary commentary about Nigel around in the Welsh rugby community down the years. We have a tendency to punish our own when success comes along. For me, he's attained world class status in his profession, achieved all there is to achieve really. Fantastic. I can readily see him reffing locally, at any level, for years to come, just loves the game.

He’s gone out with some style, retiring after the event. He didn’t use his century landmark to say this is it. He took it as another game and has decided to quit while he is well ahead; well before others are calling for his head and saying he’s not as good as he used to be.

Legendinmybathroom wrote: As much as I always look with some trepidation if he’s refereeing us against the Ospreys (no need to explain why) he is the best referee of the professional era without a shadow of a doubt. He is the only referee in the Pro14 worthy enough to referee in any other league and competition. Just hope that he goes into coaching or even heads up the refereeing in the Pro14 (he’s got to be capable of doing a better job of improving the quality of the officialdom in the league than Garner has done during his tenure).

Is he the best of the pro era? I can think of six better. Also I’d rather an official who referees to the letter of the law rather than how he feels the game is going. 

Edited by scarletnut - 11 December 2020 at 10:33pm

haydn_davies wrote: scarletnut wrote: Legendinmybathroom wrote: As much as I always look with some trepidation if he’s refereeing us against the Ospreys (no need to explain why) he is the best referee of the professional era without a shadow of a doubt. He is the only referee in the Pro14 worthy enough to referee in any other league and competition. Just hope that he goes into coaching or even heads up the refereeing in the Pro14 (he’s got to be capable of doing a better job of improving the quality of the officialdom in the league than Garner has done during his tenure). Is he the best of the pro era? I can think of six better. Also I’d rather an official who referees to the letter of the law rather than how he feels the game is going.  This, for me is the issue with Owens. He lets far too many infringements go unpunished, for the benefit of a flowing game. I also have my doubts about the safety standards for players during games when he's officiating, largely due to the previous point. I won't start on the errors he's made when officiating us...

He was the best referee in the world about 6 years ago but he’s been very average for a long time. You aren’t allowed to hold him to account in Wales but a few years back he did an interview stating he’s never read a rugby law book. I mean come on. And you’re right he doesn’t referee to the letter of the law he picks and chooses what forward passes, breakdown offences etc he wants to give. With him it depends on how he feels the game is going. 

Being a scarlet fan himself, he should never have reffed us. He's always over compensated towards the opposition so that he looks neutral. When in fsct he never has been when reffing us.

Mogwen wrote: Being a scarlet fan himself, he should never have reffed us. He's always over compensated towards the opposition so that he looks neutral. When in fsct he never has been when reffing us.

He’s not a Scarlets fan