Nigel Owens retires from Test rugby refereeing after reaching century in Autumn Nations Cup

Nigel Owens officiating Italy vs France in the Autumn Nations Cup - his 100th and final Test as a referee
AFP via Getty Images
Will Macpherson11 December 2020

Nigel Owens, the first referee to stand in 100 men’s internationals, has announced his retirement from officiating Tests.

Owens brought up his century in the Autumn Nations Cup clash between France and Italy last month but has now decided to retire.

Owens made his Test debut in 2003 and went on to referee the final of the 2015 World Cup between New Zealand and Australia, as well as many European club finals.

"Nobody has a divine right to go on forever," Owens said. 

”There comes a time where it's time to move on, so international refereeing will come to an end now. That France v Italy game was my last Test match. To go out on 100 is a good time to go.

"I am not going to be around for 2023 [the next World Cup]. I don't want to be. I still hope to referee in the PRO14 and locally in Wales this season, and maybe next season as well.”

Owens said he will continue to officiate at community level and holds an official coaching role with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). 

"I will certainly continue to referee in the community game because when you are very fortunate to get so much out of something, I think it's hugely important that you give something back to it as well," he said.

"I'll also be going into a coaching role with the WRU, helping some of our talented, young referees we have here in Wales, so that is something I'm quite excited about.

"We currently have five referees including myself refereeing at PRO14 level so it will be exciting to help them make further progress, as well as our other upcoming male and female referees.”

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont paid tribute to Owens.

"Nigel has been a fantastic ambassador for rugby, both on and off the pitch, becoming one of the most recognisable and revered and celebrated individuals in the game over the past two decades," he said.

"What makes Nigel so special is not only his exemplary international refereeing career, but also his contribution to the game and society as a role model of rugby's unique values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.”

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