Nigel Owens Reveals Retirement Date
Latest posts by Will Matthews (see all)
- Autumn Nations Series – All the action from Ireland vs Fiji & more - November 23, 2024
- Munster announce another member of their coaching ticket has departed - November 22, 2024
- Andy Farrell names his Ireland team to take on Fiji this weekend - November 21, 2024
Nigel Owens has revealed that he will hang up his whistle following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Regarded by most as the best referee in the world, Owens has made a name for himself for his no nonsense attitude and brilliant one-liners. He has also earned the respect of the players and his peers.
Speaking to WalesOnline, the former World Rugby Referee of the Year also revealed that depending on his conditioning and ability to pass fitness tests- he may even end up retiring before the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“I’m 44 and there’s no age limit on refereeing international rugby. My motivation is to keep reffing because I just enjoy it, whether it’s an under-12 match, a local derby, the Pro12, Champions Cup or a World Cup final.”
“As long as I can still do a good job on the pitch so the players enjoy it I plan to go on until the 2019 World Cup, if I am fit and refereeing well enough.”
“It is difficult because we have got high fitness standards you must meet. At the moment my test scores are pretty good but you have to train and work hard.”
“It’s a bit like the players in that you have to look after yourself, be sensible in what you eat and what you do, but it’s worth the extra effort because I love what I’m doing.”
No doubt when he finally hangs up his boots, he will be sorely missed.
