A few hours later, I saw online what I expect most of you will have seen by now all over social media and in the press. It was reported, first in South Africa and then in the UK and across the world, that the Springboks want me to join their coaching team ahead of this year’s World Cup. Nigel refereed at his fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019. Welsh Rugby Referee Nigel Owens Quotes – Top 5 Switching from Wales to England didn’t seem right though, particularly after the enormous support most at the WRU had given me down the years, including my two previous referees’ managers, Bob Yeman and Clive Norling. I certainly didn’t want to walk out on that, but the stand-off over a new deal was forcing my hand and at one point I was considering the move."

One of the main reasons why I gave up refereeing was I just didn’t want to do all the travelling anymore. You’re away for eight or nine weeks for World Cups and then there’s conferences and training camps and, after doing it for the best part of 25 years, I just didn’t want to do it anymore. Mind," he smiles, "There are also similarities. I guess I've gone from moving a herd of players around the pitch to a herd of cattle!" It was entirely possible at one stage that none of that would have happened. I’m so glad it did, creating many more memories – and the odd controversy or three!I've certainly not written the book to cash in. I'm just happy, however, if my own story helps others out there who might find things difficult from time to time.

On behalf of all the staff at Gilead, we would like to thank you for such an inspiring webinar today. The messages we have received have been overwhelming. We had just over 200 on the call (some were watching from a large screen in our meeting room). Thank you so much for your time and I wish you all the best in the future" - Donna, HR Business Partner, GileadA referee for the Welsh Rugby Union, Nigel is one of only five to hold the professional title in the league. The recipient of the World Rugby Referee Award 2015, Nigel has since gone on to take the reins on some of the most prestigious competitions in recent history. From regular appearances on the International Rugby Board World Sevens Series to making his 150th professional appearance on Judgement Day 2017, Nigel has an earned respect amongst players and fans alike for his reliable leadership in games. Using good judgement, managing risks and effectively communicating are all key skills Nigel transfers into the boardroom as a speaker. Currently, he is the world record holder for the most test matches refereed. The hugely popular man in the middle brought pride to Welsh rugby by breaking a plethora of records in the world game, including becoming the first referee to officiate 100 Test matches, most Six Nations games and most European Cup finals. In December 2020 – as the most-capped referee in world rugby, Nigel brought his 17-year international career to an end. The November 2020 France v Italy Autumn Nations Cup game was his 100th and final Test match. Broadcast and Media

The only really new thing about this potential job is that it’s outside Wales and in a different rugby environment. But, obviously, it’s become a big talking point because it’s one of the first times a team has gone out to get somebody from outside the country for a role like this.

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I’ve known Rassie for a long time, I was refereeing when he was over here at Munster. So I had a good, positive chat with him and he told me what the Springboks expect from their side of things. At the end of our conversation, I told him I’d have to think about it. This is a tale of triumph over adversity, of hope over despair. The publishers say, 'It makes for a truly compelling read as the rugby book of the year.'

I'm proof that you can overcome the dark times, the trauma when you feel you are going nowhere, and still come through to achieve your goals, land your dreams and reach the very top of your profession. Apparently, Gats had gone straight in the following day after the dinner to say he wasn’t sure what was going on, ‘But you need to give Nige a new contract and give it to him right now. You need to hold on to your best referee, not just for the next World Cup but also so that he can work with and coach future referees after he’s finished.’ Given I simply spoke in that manner because I wanted Robshaw to accept my decision as the referee, which in the end he did, I was startled at the fallout as it went viral once more. People in England seem to love it, they bring me photographs of a husband, brother, uncle, cousin, or mate called Chris and ask me to sign it, Err, Christopher’ so they can give it as a present to their loved ones. I’ve even had some asking for me to pretend to dish out a red card whilst saying ‘Err Christopher’, so they can video it.

Born into a farming family, Nigel and his partner Barrie, own a 100-acre farm in the Gwendraeth Valley, Carmarthenshire. Since retiring from international refereeing, Nigel has been a popular media figure and is the presenter of two welsh programmes ‘Hitting the Bar’ and ‘A Minute to Go’. Recognised with an MBE for his services to sport, Nigel is one of the most prominent names in rugby making him a highly sought after choice of event speaker. Armed with his media experience and iconic life story, Nigel can captivate and entertain audiences all event long. Record-holding international referee, Nigel Owens is a key figure of Rugby Union and has been presiding over matches since 1987. The calm amongst the chaos of the game, Nigel’s ability to make effective decisions and perform under pressure has seen him lead an impressive career, and as a speaker, he now translates these skills to the boardroom. Nigel’s influence doesn’t stop on the pitch as he is also recognised for his contributions to LGBT+ and mental health advocacy, having been one of the first in the male-dominated sport’s history to come out as openly gay. With such an extensive career and public reach, Nigel is perfectly placed as a captivating after-dinner speaker or insightful diversity keynote speaker.