Nigel Owens comes out of retirement to take charge of first rugby match in four years
The Welsh referee will be in the middle once again on Saturday after years away from the sport
Referee Nigel Owens
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Legendary Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens is coming out of retirement to take charge of a match for the first time in four years, he has announced.
Owens, who was widely regarded as the best referee in the game during his career, will pick up his whistle for a special 150th anniversary match between Lampeter Town RFC and London Welsh on Saturday. He said in a post on social media: "BREAKING NEWS: I'm back. After 4 years I am picking up the whistle again tomorrow for a special 150 years anniversary celebrating Lampeter RFC in their match versus London Welsh. Hope the legs will last the 80 mins."
Owens last match as an international referee was the Autumn Nations Cup game between France and Italy in November, 2020. It was also his 100th game as a Test referee. 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby
Since retiring he has held roles as a World Rugby expert and also works for the WRU as a mentor to referees coming through the system. He was added to Warren Gatland's coaching staff during last year's autumn internationals but did not continue with the role following that campaign.
Owens time these days is largely spent working on his farm in west Wales, where he lives with husband Barrie.
WalesOnline columnist Owens wrote of his new career: "Retiring from something is always a big adjustment but what was helping me deal with all of it coming to an end after 35 years of refereeing was knowing that I had another interest to pursue in my retirement - and that was farming.
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"Since eight years of age, my goal was to be a farmer and I saved up over the years to achieve it, buying a smallholding with my partner Barrie.
"It had been such a dream for me that when the tournament was over in Japan, I couldn't wait to get back home and start the next chapter of my life.
"I'm so grateful to have had something like that to focus myself on. If I had nothing else to look forward to after finishing refereeing and it had all just ended overnight, I probably would have struggled like a lot of referees have done when their careers have ended.
"As I say, it's a huge adjustment and in every sport, there are players, coaches and officials who have struggled with their mental health when they retire."
Owens refereed the 2015 Rugby World Cup final as well as several European club finals during a glittering career that included numerous memorable moments.
The 53-year-old has also used his platform to help many people struggling with mental health issues and facing prejudice. In May 2007, Owens publicly came out as gay in an interview with Wales on Sunday, revealing he had attempted suicide at the age of 26 as he struggled to cope.
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As well as farming and his continuing rugby roles, Owens is also a co-presenter of popular S4C show Jonathan with Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies and Sarra Elgan.
His rugby return will take place at 2pm on Saturday.
Lampeter Town RFC have already celebrated their 150th year in style by winning Admiral National League Two West and earning promotion to League One for next season.
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