Nigel Owens has retired

[Derek Smith]

The best manager of a rugby match. He is without peer. A word, a phrase, a look and the players are cowed.

I'm really sad to see him go. He seemed to put rugby up a notch or two.

I won't see his like again.

[irocfan]

Derek Smith said:

I won't see his like again.

Hopefully you're wrong - if he inspires a more engaging style of refing

[Magooagain]

Only retired from international reffing as far as I know.
Although would Leinster V Dragons be international? And would he ref a euro cup match?

A fine ref that has been fun also.
Thankyou Nigel.

[AAGR]

Has Nigel really retired ? If so, what a loss to Rugby refereeing. I don't think I have ever seen an official get so much respect in a highly-charged game. There is more than one 'on-TV' authenticated case of him (5ft. 7in.tall) confronting an 18-stone player, giving him a bking, and getting an ashamed 'Sorry sir' in response.

I met him once, on the crowded terminal bus out towards a Dublin-bound aircraft, he was amiable, and you could see that he really knows his stuff.

[Taylor James]

The best rugby referee I've ever seen. Very sorry to see him go.

[DocJock]

The benchmark all referees should aspire to. Always in total charge without being officious.

Saw a wee clip of him talking to Scot Quinnell on his farm. Came across as a really nice person.

[Enut]

It's a credit to the man that I don't think he has EVER had a bad game. Respected by all the players and managers. I don't think you could say that of many others and probably none of the football refs, but then they have to ref footballers and football managers which is a different kettle of fish.

[biggbn]

Sad loss to the international game, he was the consumate professional never detracting from the game, but sometimes adding to the experience. Happy retirement!

[DeejRC]

I’m sure I’m not the only chap with a “this is not soccer” tea mug...😀

[CubanPete]

Absolute class.

A measure of the man when the ref has more fans than the playing teams!

[warch]

Superb ref, always know you'll get a good game with him in charge.

Very moving to hear him talking about his struggle to come to terms with his sexual orientation, he was considering ending it all, which was really shocking.

[Nobby Diesel]

He's done a huge amount for his trade which will hopefully encourage more to take the whistle.
He spoke at my sons school Sportsmans Dinner a couple of years ago. Incredibly entertaining, witty and knowledgable.
He regaled a story.........
Gareth Thomas had just come out. Owens was being pressed by a reporter, about rumours doing the rounds, that there was another player in the Welsh international set up, who was also gay.
The reporter said to Owens, that he had been told the other player was Gavin Henson.
Owens response........."Don't be daft, he's so far up his own arse, there isn't room for another cock".

[RDM]

He was TMO yesterday at Dragons v Wasps.

His appearance on Desert Island discs is very very good.
Should be available as a podcast or iPlayer episode, well worth a listen.

[Leins]

Sad to hear this news, he will be a loss at international level

Went to a talk he gave a few years ago at a local club and his enthusiasm for the game at all levels really shone through