Nigel Owens reckons refereeing his 100th rugby test wasn’t as tough as “waiting for TB testing results’’ at his Welsh farm, but All Blacks great Richie McCaw was among a group of rugby luminaries to laud the whistleblower’s landmark moment.
Owens, 49, became the first referee in rugby history to officiate in 100 internationals when he took charge for France’s 36-5 Autumn Nations Cup win over Italy in Paris on Saturday (Sunday NZ time).
Before kickoff, World Rugby compiled a video featuring tributes from rugby stars and Owens’ refereeing peers, paying homage to the Welshmen’s service to the sport.
McCaw, filmed standing in front of his helicopter in Christchurch, congratulated Owens on his milestone.
“That’s a great effort, mate’’, said McCaw, who played his 148th and last test in the All Blacks’ 2015 Rugby World Cup final win over Australia, with Owens as referee.
“I know in my years as a player, I really enjoyed playing alongside you, as a referee,” McCaw said.
“You had a great feel for the game, you did what’s right for the game.
“I guess it helps having a World Cup final where we came out on the right side of it. But, just all the best, mate. Congratulations, and I hope there’s a few more.’’
Owens, who has described McCaw as the toughest player he has refereed, rates the 2015 World Cup final as the highlight of his long career.
“World Cup finals are the pinnacle of your career as a player and as a referee and, of all the World Cups, that’s probably the best final there’s ever been,” he says.
“Finals so often disappoint, at World Cups in particular, but in that game in 2015 New Zealand were just at their best. Australia played brilliantly and came back into the game and it was in the balance but then New Zealand took it away from them again in the last 10 minutes or so.”
Owens did consider hanging up his whistle after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but it was another All Blacks match that convinced him to change his mind.
“I am told I performed very well and refereed the semi-final between New Zealand and England which turned out to be one of if not the best games of the World Cup for the spectators. Obviously, the players have to take the credit for that,” he said.
“I was just loving it, and couldn’t find it in me to say, that’s it, I’m done.’’
The World Rugby video also featured tributes from president Bill Beaumont, referees Jonathan Kaplan and Wayne Barnes, South Africa wing Bryan Habana, and some of the sport’s greatest captains, including Thierry Dusautoir (France), Sergio Parisse (Italy) and John Eales (Australia).
Eales praised Owens, who is openly gay and has spoken publicly about his battle with bulimia, for “the dignity with which you confronted’’ challenges off the pitch.
In a nice touch, World Rugby recorded a tribute from Ilia Zedginidze, who played for Georgia against Portugal in Owens’ first test match in 2003.
“I want you to continue serving rugby for a long term, Zedginidze said. “And for your future internationals, just remember Georgian props, especially tightheads, never cheat, never.’’
Owens said he accepted that his 100th test might be his last, but he would like to bow out with one more Six Nations game in 2021, when he will be 50.
He wrote in his Wales Online column that he was “pre-occupied with what was happening on my farm in Pontyberem’’ with TB testing of his cattle herd.
“When you’re worrying if one of your animals might have TB, I suppose it puts into perspective any worries I may have about missing a forward pass, or a knock on, at the Stade de France.’’
Owens’ cattle – and the veteran referee – both passed their tests with flying colours.
Before the Paris game, he received a special golden whistle to blow on the pitch.
“A massive thanks to Prime Video Sport for these special edition Acme Whistles for my match on Saturday, France vs Italy,’’Owens said on test eve. “I’ll try not to blow it too much. It’s very much appreciated and means a lot.”
