he was officially ranked number 1 ref in the world, at the time he came out as gay. the next game he reffed, a captain knocked on his dressing room door. he came to let him know that his team gave him total support and respect. all the reactions he got, were positive. they may be hard men, playing a macho sport, but they are so respectful. you're accepted as you are, in Rugby. that's why i'm so proud to be an ex-player, and fan of the game.
@Welshwazza I'm not judging you buddy. Whatever floats your boat. You can like whoever you want without judgement from me. Just didn't realise it was so popular with the welsh rugby lot.
He's one of the few if not the only international ref who was allowed to referee his own country - that's how much respect the man has. Was a friendly but even so its a huge honour to be trusted so much
He only refereed Wales once and that was tribute to his last match as an international referee. I love his weekly shows and especially his explainations of controversial calls.
That's not correct in the least. Many decades ago when the British Lions toured in SA, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, the referees were homers. It's one reason the 1959 Lions did not win the series against New Zealand. One NZ ref in particular, Murphy, was a well known partisan referee. In the 1971 series, Carwyn James, Lions coach, insisted on the late John Pring, because he was an "honest broker." By the 1980s, that all changed, and referees were flown around the world to do games that were NOT in their own nations.
The ‘I’m straighter than that one’ comment (for those that were confused) refers to the fact that he is gay, and when you throw for a line out the ball has to be straight I.e. in-between both teams’ lines equally, and that ball was waaaaaay off. So Nigel isn’t straight but he’s straighter than that ball was.
Probably need to explain that in teh UK a slang derogitary term for a gay man is a bender or he is bent and that's why Nigel said he is straighter than that, I was watching this in the pub and had a mouthfull of beer when he said that, the beer in my mouth ended up on the floor 😂😂😂
As an Englishman I had to laugh at the hooligans comment as it was just the French crowd singing their national anthem! France v England in Paris is a spine tingling affair!
I'm French, but I've always liked British culture, I've lived in London for 3 years, etc. The only time the gloves are off is for rugby. During "le Crunch ", I'm the most chauvinistic bastard lol. And even if one day France is crowned world champion, it won't be enough. It'll never be enough because for proper revenge, it would have to be beating England in the World Cup final, against England, while Johnny Wilkinson is in the squad. It will never happen and thus I will never find peace. Of course I have the deepest respect for Wilkinson, he's one of the GOATs, played in France, etc. But he was such a thorn in France's side in international test matches.
Nigel is the greatest, his comment about him being straighter than that lineout is because he is gay, He's a very fair ref with a brilliant sense of humour. When he was on the phone, he was speaking to the video referee up in box because his microphone link had stopped working. When he says "come back in two weeks and play" its because there is a soccer match on in the same stadium. :)
The interview he did with Jonathon davies is brilliant. Davies asks him...what did your dad say when you came out and admitted you were a referee...or words to that effect.
@@garethlloyd1445 He's a great character, he came out officially on TV on Jonathan Davies' program on S4C (Welsh channel). They brought a closet on stage and he came out of the closet... He's a national treasure to us in Wales..
Many regard Nigel Owens to be the best referee ever. He's very fair. He's gained the respect of players the world over. No matter how massive the players are, they listen when he speaks. He definitely has a great sense of humour. We're very proud of him in Wales. 🏴👍
If football refs had the same respect from the players and the same SPINE to judge a situation and stand by it no matter what, the sport of football would be in a much better place. I love football, but the games are sometimes decided by who whines more to the ref and who films the most, if it was Rugby the ref would just send them off the pitch instantly. We need more refs like Nigel Owens in all sports.
Nigel Owens is a Bloody Legend. He is now semi-retired, and for fun he sometimes does Sunday Rugby with the kids. The parents get even more excited about it than the kids playing.
He has this incredible dad energy. "I am not mad, i am disappointed. I do still love you but if you do that again, i'm gonna whoop your ass. We good? We good. Go on playing, son."
They learn from early on not to disrespect the ref. You call him Sir and you move on, regardless of whether you disagree or not, if you talk back to the ref you'll either be sent off or at the very least your coach will give you a hard talk about "YOU DO NOT DISRESPECT THE REF!!".
Nigel Owens, the best referee EVER. He’s Welsh and even tells the Welsh players off. He’s not biased and is completely fair. Best referee EVER! Love the channel and much respect.
12:34 Actually, that was another 'this is not soccer' comment. The game was in the World Cup and was being played at a football stadium. So he was saying come back in two weeks when the football season starts.
He does not represent the "T" in lgb whatever. "trans" does not exist, it is biologically impossible to change chromosomes and chromosomes are one of the gender defining building blocks, like gametes.
This is what they need in football (soccer) the referee needs to be mic'd up so everyone can hear what he is saying, also notice how the players say "yes sir" that shows he's in charge
@@burlatsdemontaigne6147 The one I heard was Rugby Union was gentlemen pretending to be hooligans and Rugby League was hooligans pretending to be gentlemen
Bloody legend! Best ref in rugby union. Very calm, very fair, completely respected, which is just as well because he might be lovely, but he'll put up with absolutely no nonsense.
another great reaction lads. thank you. The reason he says "this is not soccer" rather than saying "this is not football" is that the proper name for rugby is rugby football. When he told the lad "come back in two weeks and play" he said that because he took a dive, to try and win a penalty, in two weeks time there was a soccer match in the same stadium.
In the current Lions vs South Africa Test he is part of the commentary team and it has been brilliant to hear his opinions and explanations. Even now, incredibly impartial.
Hey guys, great channel and big fan of what you do. I'm from the UK and love rugby. This is not a knock but without knowing the rules of rugby (which are complicated to the extreme) its hard to understand how good a referee he is. These guys are walking tanks who are literally trying kill each other and to have someone like him, with unquestionable integrity, to keep them in line is part of what makes rugby great.
I played rugby for the Royal Marines and as my loose head prop was from Nigel’s village. He agreed to ref the game against the Met Police which was the cleanest ever game ever! And gay or not it proves sexuality means nothing.
Crikey. We played against police cadets when I was at school. It was the dirtiest game ever, most of my team were bitten, bleeding, clawed and punched. Funnily enough I intended joining the Royal Marines at the time.
At 12:12 those “football hooglans” were the French fans and they pretty much always do that, they’re only quiet if they’re losing, they’re very passionate about the sport
Nigel came into his own with Ref mic's - and then he came out openly as gay. He does Stand Up on Welsh Language tv, and they had him coming out of a closet on live tv :)
His parents were watching that and they didn't know he was Gay at the time....... and they still didn't get the reference either... he had to explain it to his mum after he came out to her not long after.
He says soccer when refereeing international games. Be they nations or clubs from other countries playing for cups. He used the term football if they are all British teams.
He is without doubt the best referee ever. The other amazing thing is that he is completely respected by those huge guys. Oh yeah, the reason why he called the other game soccer is because the full name of this type of Rugby is Rugby Union Football. Yet another example of him being very precise. No one could be cheeky and answer back and say that they are playing "football" then.
In case you miss it: Reference Nigel's comment at 2'30"... a line-out has to be thrown in fairly, straight in, between the two teams. To understand his comment, you need to know he is well known as being out as gay. So when the ball is blatantly thrown incorrectly, he declares "I'm straighter than that one!" Total genius. Universal respect for Nigel Owens.
The 2 weeks comment to Stuart Hogg is because they were playing in a football stadium. Hogg took a bit of a dive. It's another way of saying this is not soccer.
The phone was when his microphone and earpiece to the TMO (TV Match Official who performs a review role when requested by the ref) stopped working, so he called him directly lol
He is so well respected that he has been the referee in a game for his home nation of Wales im not sure anybody else has done that in any international sports
He is the greatest rugby ref, worth watching a game when he refs regardless of who is playing. Might I suggest you check out Pierre Luigi Collina, the closest that football (soccer) ever had to Nigel.
If you jump to catch the ball you cannot be tackled until you’ve landed. There is a tackle in 2011 quarter final between all blacks and Australia where the tackle was executed perfectly.
Amazing how these huge players tower over Nigel Owens, yet when he tells them off, all he gets from these walking brick walls is…’yes sir, yes sir..” no answering back..😂😂😂
Rugby union has respect running through the game. It is in the culture of the game. Every referee gets the same level of respect but Nigel Owens is a little more entertaining to watch.
I think he was allowed to officiate welsh games too. That’s how much he was trusted. That doesn’t mean people complain about his decisions but I have never heard anyone question his integrity.
The reason Nigel calls football soccer is because in the world of rugby, actually called Rugby football, if he used the term football rugby players would think he's referring to rugby.
Greetings from Wigan UK. Only subscribed to 5 or 6 channels on RUclips and you guys are one and the best. Always look forward to your videos and best of wishes from Wigan
I attended Tauranga Boys, College. In New Zealand. We had a visit from a school team from Argentina. That was a big ttrip for those guys. At the first scrum their hooker broke his neck within a minute of the start in the first scrum.. He was in hospital. Within about a week, the local community had collected something like US$250,000 dollars to fly him back to Argentina. Because that it what Kiwis do. This was in 1979. That was a bad time. In NZ rugby. About 3 or 4 teenagers were crippled or died of broken necks each year in those old days. I played as blindside flanker so was fairly safe.
6:57 Nigel is essentially telling a player off for taunting the opposition as they score. If you win, you win, no need to rub it in someone’s face as you do so
I’m straighter than that one. Nigel had just come ‘out’. What a fabulous ref and human being. Nigel is a national treasure and I’m proud to share his name.
Just to give an idea of how regarded Nigel is on both quality and especially in fairness, in 2019, by special dispensation from World Rugby (the international federation of national rugby federations), he was allowed to referee a match where Wales played. Most of the time, you *don't* get a referee from one of the countries whose teams are playing, for obvious reasons. Granted, it was a friendly match, not a competitive one, but that was still quite an milestone - 1/ that it was even considered, 2/ that it was granted (as mentioned, by special dispensation), and 3/ that team that Wales played against had no problems with it.
Was an absolute pleasure to be at that game and sing anthem knowing was singing with true legend of the game. Best referee there has been. Knew how to keep a game flowing better than anyone. Glad he's kept his hand in, giving post-match reviews of decisions, etc. Absolute super-star of the game!
I've watched a few of your rugby videos, and all things aside. Whenever there's an add on the video you're watching, there's an add on the video im watching of you guys 😂, Anyway, Nigel was an absolute legend
Rugby hits till I collapse. Hands down the best “big hits” compilation I’ve seen. Never mind that a lot are now illegal tackles. Reminds me of when I used to play when pretty much the only thing you couldn’t do was clothesline, and even then you might just get a telling off.
There is a very British trait of enjoying somebody who knows the rules and will not allowed them to be manipulated, bent or used to your advantage in an underhand way. It is why we dislike politicians and 'celebs' so much. We also admire people can break down very very difficult jobs into easy to understand pieces. Even rugby players can understand Nigel Owens.
There is much about Nigel that is not understood. He is given respect because of his integrity, his love for, and knowledge of he game and finally the fact that he is a Celt (Welsh), This is a final and very subtle factor that anyone outside the UK would find difficult to understand.
He is the man! You may have missed one hilarious comment. Some years ago, Nigel came out as gay. This was like an American football player coming out as gay, one who was at the top of the game. It was a nine day wonder, with some booing at one game, but ultimately, he was so so loved and respected that it became a complete non-issue, on and off the field. So when a throw-in goes wildly astray, his comment, "I'm straighter than that one," is both hilarious and a mark of how far along the sport has come -- and how far he has brought it.
Love it at 6.51 where the player comes up to Nigel and says something and Nigel says No he wasnt and the player starts to argue with Nigel and he gives the player a look and says the players name and as he walk Nigel says Thank You
The reason Nigel was on the mobile phone was. In the game you have 4 officials 2 lines men, the ref and the tmo television match official. The tmo had spotted foul play which nigel missed on the field. Nigel ear peace had failed so the tmo sent someone with a phone to nigel in stoppage time to deal with the incident. They were in contact by phone in the meantime an alternative ear peace was being sorted so it does happen but that was the only time i have seen a ref on the field with a mobile phone odd for the fans and players but hey adds to the entertainment.
The chanting in one clip was the French National anthem. The quote about diving "Come back here in two weeks and play" was because the game was being played at a Soccer Ground !
Nigel is awesome - sadly now retired but a great ambassador for the game when he's not farming his award winning cattle. Another great rugby ref is Wayne Barnes - good to watch too!
Nigel Owens is the best referee ever. No question about it. The problem is Rugby was called Rugby Football when the little boy picked up the football and ran with it. The soccer word was taken from association football, and adopted by Americans because they didn’t want to muddy the waters of their football which is basically rugby football but wearing amour in case they get hurt.
When I played Rugby as a younger man the main rules were: always respect the ref and what happens on the field stays on the field. Had massive punch ups on the field but after the game both teams were in the bar laughing and joking about it. One massive prop I caught with a sly elbow came up to me after the game..I though he was going to bury me, but he said “that was a good elbow, really hurt, let me buy you a pint” 😂
As usual, I enjoyed your reaction Guys. On the very last clip Nigel was being sarcastic as the adjudicator took an age to explain using Double Negatives when all he had to say was "You can award the try!"...lol GUYS !! IF you REALLY want to see Italy in a Major Football Tournament and what they have always got up to then you MUST watch " THE BATTLE OF SANTIAGO " which is The World Cup Quarter Final in Chile in 1962. THE TOUGHEST FOOTBALL MATCH EVER and its 7-minute highlights are on RUclips. ENJOY
In another video he explained the use of the phone during a match. His comms to the TMO (guy in room with cameras) had broken so he had no way of hearing his input. Funny to watch and the various comments about it.
Nigel Owens insulting wendyball (soccer) is based. On a more serious note, he was always good at explaining his decisions to players so they had an opportunity not to repeat a mistake. Rugby is a technical game.
For the tackles, from what i understand you can tackle from collarbone to the knees, and you can lift the player up, but if you do, it’s your responsibility to make sure they go back down safely. Basically if you tackle you should make sure to ensure your opponents health, and they will do the same to you, which will ensure a generally safe game. But they won’t get the player to leave because of blood, they’ll stop for concussion and excessive blood, but a little trickle doesn’t put you out of the game. They throw themselves on the ground at least once a try, so bloody scrapes are to be expected
You can tackle from the chest right down to the boots. Although you don't see it much these days there was an art to tackling low. Tap tackles are also allowed.
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he was officially ranked number 1 ref in the world, at the time he came out as gay. the next game he reffed, a captain knocked on his dressing room door. he came to let him know that his team gave him total support and respect. all the reactions he got, were positive. they may be hard men, playing a macho sport, but they are so respectful. you're accepted as you are, in Rugby. that's why i'm so proud to be an ex-player, and fan of the game.
I’ve played for and against predominantly gay men’s teams (I’m straight)…non-issue
@Welshwazza total crap
@Welshwazza welsh rugby is clearly a different game. Each to their own
@Welshwazza I'm not judging you buddy. Whatever floats your boat. You can like whoever you want without judgement from me. Just didn't realise it was so popular with the welsh rugby lot.
Very well said! Nigel Owens IS probably the most respected referee in world rugby!
He's one of the few if not the only international ref who was allowed to referee his own country - that's how much respect the man has. Was a friendly but even so its a huge honour to be trusted so much
He only refereed Wales once and that was tribute to his last match as an international referee. I love his weekly shows and especially his explainations of controversial calls.
That's not correct in the least. Many decades ago when the British Lions toured in SA, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, the referees were homers. It's one reason the 1959 Lions did not win the series against New Zealand. One NZ ref in particular, Murphy, was a well known partisan referee. In the 1971 series, Carwyn James, Lions coach, insisted on the late John Pring, because he was an "honest broker." By the 1980s, that all changed, and referees were flown around the world to do games that were NOT in their own nations.
Nigel is probably the best ref ever in rugby, shame he retired last year, he’ll be well missed
Probably the best ref in any sport.
Nigel Owens
Legend
♥️ 🏴 ♥️
A man you had to respect, you might hate a decision, but you could rarely say he was wrong.
He did an after dinner speaking gig for my mates work party couple year or 2 back, said it was amazing. Proper funny great speaker
But think of his legacy. He has set a standard for all future referees to aspire to.
The ‘I’m straighter than that one’ comment (for those that were confused) refers to the fact that he is gay, and when you throw for a line out the ball has to be straight I.e. in-between both teams’ lines equally, and that ball was waaaaaay off. So Nigel isn’t straight but he’s straighter than that ball was.
Probably need to explain that in teh UK a slang derogitary term for a gay man is a bender or he is bent and that's why Nigel said he is straighter than that, I was watching this in the pub and had a mouthfull of beer when he said that, the beer in my mouth ended up on the floor 😂😂😂
@@MrCapacitator 😂😂 I loved that line! Classic! lol
@@MrCapacitator I think that even americans understand what straight means mate.
"I'm straighter than that one." - Just priceless! A gay guy saying that, whilst reffing a Rugby match, is just fantastic!
As an Englishman I had to laugh at the hooligans comment as it was just the French crowd singing their national anthem! France v England in Paris is a spine tingling affair!
I'm French, but I've always liked British culture, I've lived in London for 3 years, etc. The only time the gloves are off is for rugby. During "le Crunch ", I'm the most chauvinistic bastard lol.
And even if one day France is crowned world champion, it won't be enough. It'll never be enough because for proper revenge, it would have to be beating England in the World Cup final, against England, while Johnny Wilkinson is in the squad. It will never happen and thus I will never find peace.
Of course I have the deepest respect for Wilkinson, he's one of the GOATs, played in France, etc. But he was such a thorn in France's side in international test matches.
Nigel is the greatest, his comment about him being straighter than that lineout is because he is gay, He's a very fair ref with a brilliant sense of humour. When he was on the phone, he was speaking to the video referee up in box because his microphone link had stopped working. When he says "come back in two weeks and play" its because there is a soccer match on in the same stadium. :)
The interview he did with Jonathon davies is brilliant. Davies asks him...what did your dad say when you came out and admitted you were a referee...or words to that effect.
I don't know much about him but now you've said he is gay has made that line out even funnier 😂 😂 😂
@@garethlloyd1445 He's a great character, he came out officially on TV on Jonathan Davies' program on S4C (Welsh channel). They brought a closet on stage and he came out of the closet... He's a national treasure to us in Wales..
@@chrisparti to come out like that. Legend
His lineout comment is probably the best thing that has ever been said 😂😋..
Many regard Nigel Owens to be the best referee ever. He's very fair. He's gained the respect of players the world over. No matter how massive the players are, they listen when he speaks. He definitely has a great sense of humour. We're very proud of him in Wales. 🏴👍
Nigel is so fair in his reffing that even is English fans wouldn’t bat an eyelid if he reffed England v Wales in Cardiff in a six nations.
@@cybertrophic Wayne Barnes is right up there with him. I would not question either of them being in charge of that game .
We love him in England too!
@@TPRM1 Thanks guys He is the bridge between. Passions.🏆🎆
@@annephillips8494 He is the bridge between passions.*
Which passions? Rugby is just one passion, what are the others?
One of, if not the most loved ref’s in rugby history. What a great controller of the game.
If football refs had the same respect from the players and the same SPINE to judge a situation and stand by it no matter what, the sport of football would be in a much better place.
I love football, but the games are sometimes decided by who whines more to the ref and who films the most, if it was Rugby the ref would just send them off the pitch instantly.
We need more refs like Nigel Owens in all sports.
Nigel Owens is a Bloody Legend.
He is now semi-retired, and for fun he sometimes does Sunday Rugby with the kids.
The parents get even more excited about it than the kids playing.
I love the fact that he's dwarfed by these Titan rugby players but they all have the utmost respect for him. A legend.
Cos it isnt dog shite football players or soccer as they call it in America.
He has this incredible dad energy. "I am not mad, i am disappointed. I do still love you but if you do that again, i'm gonna whoop your ass. We good? We good. Go on playing, son."
Probably a foot taller and four stone heavier than Nigel but behave like he’s their dad when being chastised.
They learn from early on not to disrespect the ref.
You call him Sir and you move on, regardless of whether you disagree or not, if you talk back to the ref you'll either be sent off or at the very least your coach will give you a hard talk about "YOU DO NOT DISRESPECT THE REF!!".
Nigel's comment about the line out, " I'm straighter than that one " went right over their heads!
Totally 😂
ikr. Had me laughing watching their non reaction😅😅😅😅
So very true
Nigel Owens, the best referee EVER. He’s Welsh and even tells the Welsh players off. He’s not biased and is completely fair. Best referee EVER! Love the channel and much respect.
12:34 Actually, that was another 'this is not soccer' comment. The game was in the World Cup and was being played at a football stadium. So he was saying come back in two weeks when the football season starts.
Nigel Owens is a great ambassador for the LBGT community. I hope him and his partner live a long and happy life together.
His great gift was to make every rugby lover learn that what you do at night doesn't define you. Your character defines you.
He does not represent the "T" in lgb whatever.
"trans" does not exist, it is biologically impossible to change chromosomes and chromosomes are one of the gender defining building blocks, like gametes.
This is what they need in football (soccer) the referee needs to be mic'd up so everyone can hear what he is saying, also notice how the players say "yes sir" that shows he's in charge
Guys, you two are so international, it's a breath of fresh air, keep it going.
Rugby is a gentleman's game played by gentlemen. They don't argue with the referee they know the rules. Referee is boss number one.
The quote is: 'Rugby is a hooligans' game played by gentlemen. Soccer is a gentlemans' game played by hooligans.'
They don't argue except Welsh players
@@burlatsdemontaigne6147 The one I heard was Rugby Union was gentlemen pretending to be hooligans and Rugby League was hooligans pretending to be gentlemen
Bloody legend! Best ref in rugby union. Very calm, very fair, completely respected, which is just as well because he might be lovely, but he'll put up with absolutely no nonsense.
another great reaction lads. thank you. The reason he says "this is not soccer" rather than saying "this is not football" is that the proper name for rugby is rugby football. When he told the lad "come back in two weeks and play" he said that because he took a dive, to try and win a penalty, in two weeks time there was a soccer match in the same stadium.
My fave interaction will always be:
'CHRISTOPHER!'
'Sorry sir'
😂
"Thank you". Nothing more needed to be said xD Brilliant
Me too I love that bit
A legend of a man! Fair, respected and bloody funny! He is so missed since he has retired
In the current Lions vs South Africa Test he is part of the commentary team and it has been brilliant to hear his opinions and explanations. Even now, incredibly impartial.
Hey guys, great channel and big fan of what you do. I'm from the UK and love rugby. This is not a knock but without knowing the rules of rugby (which are complicated to the extreme) its hard to understand how good a referee he is. These guys are walking tanks who are literally trying kill each other and to have someone like him, with unquestionable integrity, to keep them in line is part of what makes rugby great.
I played rugby for the Royal Marines and as my loose head prop was from Nigel’s village. He agreed to ref the game against the Met Police which was the cleanest ever game ever! And gay or not it proves sexuality means nothing.
Crikey. We played against police cadets when I was at school. It was the dirtiest game ever, most of my team were bitten, bleeding, clawed and punched. Funnily enough I intended joining the Royal Marines at the time.
Being Welsh, means Nigel calls football soccer, because Rugby is football.
At 12:12 those “football hooglans” were the French fans and they pretty much always do that, they’re only quiet if they’re losing, they’re very passionate about the sport
Nigel came into his own with Ref mic's - and then he came out openly as gay. He does Stand Up on Welsh Language tv, and they had him coming out of a closet on live tv :)
His parents were watching that and they didn't know he was Gay at the time....... and they still didn't get the reference either... he had to explain it to his mum after he came out to her not long after.
He says soccer when refereeing international games. Be they nations or clubs from other countries playing for cups. He used the term football if they are all British teams.
He is without doubt the best referee ever. The other amazing thing is that he is completely respected by those huge guys. Oh yeah, the reason why he called the other game soccer is because the full name of this type of Rugby is Rugby Union Football. Yet another example of him being very precise. No one could be cheeky and answer back and say that they are playing "football" then.
The reason that Nigel Owens says 'this is not soccer,' is that the game he is refereeing is called Rugby Football.
When Nigel says "soccer" hes using it as an insult to the players indicating they are being soccer players and not Rugby players
In case you miss it: Reference Nigel's comment at 2'30"... a line-out has to be thrown in fairly, straight in, between the two teams. To understand his comment, you need to know he is well known as being out as gay. So when the ball is blatantly thrown incorrectly, he declares "I'm straighter than that one!" Total genius. Universal respect for Nigel Owens.
The 2 weeks comment to Stuart Hogg is because they were playing in a football stadium. Hogg took a bit of a dive. It's another way of saying this is not soccer.
As football fan to see the respect these giant rugby players give the ref is so cool
The phone was when his microphone and earpiece to the TMO (TV Match Official who performs a review role when requested by the ref) stopped working, so he called him directly lol
He is so well respected that he has been the referee in a game for his home nation of Wales im not sure anybody else has done that in any international sports
If you get the chance pier Luigi Collina is a ref that is classed as the greatest in football every manager and player respected him
Yes the one Football ref like that.
The rest aren't up to rugby's general ref standard they aren't respected.
He is the greatest rugby ref, worth watching a game when he refs regardless of who is playing.
Might I suggest you check out Pierre Luigi Collina, the closest that football (soccer) ever had to Nigel.
I second this motion.
I third it Collina is a bonifida legend
If you jump to catch the ball you cannot be tackled until you’ve landed. There is a tackle in 2011 quarter final between all blacks and Australia where the tackle was executed perfectly.
Nigel Owens need's to be Cloned for every sport
Amazing how these huge players tower over Nigel Owens, yet when he tells them off, all he gets from these walking brick walls is…’yes sir, yes sir..” no answering back..😂😂😂
That ‘Christopher’ has gone down in history.
Rugby union has respect running through the game. It is in the culture of the game. Every referee gets the same level of respect but Nigel Owens is a little more entertaining to watch.
Nigel Owens calls it soccer because its short for association football. so as not to get mixed up with Rugby, which is known as Rugby Football
I think he was allowed to officiate welsh games too. That’s how much he was trusted.
That doesn’t mean people complain about his decisions but I have never heard anyone question his integrity.
The reason Nigel calls football soccer is because in the world of rugby, actually called Rugby football, if he used the term football rugby players would think he's referring to rugby.
Yes NFL wasn't even the first hand-egg to believe they're called football...
No need to order alcohol, I've never seen a rugby club without a bar.
I wouldn't play there if there wasn't
In Wales we still have many of the Bars even though the club has disappeared.
Greetings from Wigan UK. Only subscribed to 5 or 6 channels on RUclips and you guys are one and the best. Always look forward to your videos and best of wishes from Wigan
I attended Tauranga Boys, College. In New Zealand. We had a visit from a school team from Argentina. That was a big ttrip for those guys. At the first scrum their hooker broke his neck within a minute of the start in the first scrum.. He was in hospital. Within about a week, the local community had collected something like US$250,000 dollars to fly him back to Argentina. Because that it what Kiwis do. This was in 1979.
That was a bad time. In NZ rugby. About 3 or 4 teenagers were crippled or died of broken necks each year in those old days.
I played as blindside flanker so was fairly safe.
On the same night you reviewed this, I was with him at a function. Really nice guy with some great stories.
Have you guys done "faf de klerk giant slayer" , you need to watch him, stunning skills
Guys in rugby the ref is like god, only captains can talk to him.
6:57 Nigel is essentially telling a player off for taunting the opposition as they score. If you win, you win, no need to rub it in someone’s face as you do so
Nigel Owen quote "if your going to cheat, cheat fairly".
I’m straighter than that one. Nigel had just come ‘out’. What a fabulous ref and human being. Nigel is a national treasure and I’m proud to share his name.
Just to give an idea of how regarded Nigel is on both quality and especially in fairness, in 2019, by special dispensation from World Rugby (the international federation of national rugby federations), he was allowed to referee a match where Wales played. Most of the time, you *don't* get a referee from one of the countries whose teams are playing, for obvious reasons.
Granted, it was a friendly match, not a competitive one, but that was still quite an milestone - 1/ that it was even considered, 2/ that it was granted (as mentioned, by special dispensation), and 3/ that team that Wales played against had no problems with it.
Was an absolute pleasure to be at that game and sing anthem knowing was singing with true legend of the game. Best referee there has been. Knew how to keep a game flowing better than anyone. Glad he's kept his hand in, giving post-match reviews of decisions, etc. Absolute super-star of the game!
I've watched a few of your rugby videos, and all things aside. Whenever there's an add on the video you're watching, there's an add on the video im watching of you guys 😂, Anyway, Nigel was an absolute legend
You have it exactly right. Well observed. He is in charge and explains everything. Fair and square.
That comment he made at the throw in when he said I,m straighter than that one was him being sarcastic as he is a homosexual.
Rugby hits till I collapse. Hands down the best “big hits” compilation I’ve seen. Never mind that a lot are now illegal tackles. Reminds me of when I used to play when pretty much the only thing you couldn’t do was clothesline, and even then you might just get a telling off.
Soccer.. is a word we used as kids .. im from Salford (North west England).. its just a short form of ''Association Football"
Exactly, but you’d be surprised how many Brits don’t know that!
Only ref in the world allowed to ref a match with his own country playing
Nigel Owens, quiet and calm but authoritive demeanor., Great referee.
There is a very British trait of enjoying somebody who knows the rules and will not allowed them to be manipulated, bent or used to your advantage in an underhand way. It is why we dislike politicians and 'celebs' so much. We also admire people can break down very very difficult jobs into easy to understand pieces. Even rugby players can understand Nigel Owens.
Spencer loving the shirt my man. Big love from the UK
There is much about Nigel that is not understood. He is given respect because of his integrity, his love for, and knowledge of he game and finally the fact that he is a Celt (Welsh), This is a final and very subtle factor that anyone outside the UK would find difficult to understand.
He is the man! You may have missed one hilarious comment. Some years ago, Nigel came out as gay. This was like an American football player coming out as gay, one who was at the top of the game. It was a nine day wonder, with some booing at one game, but ultimately, he was so so loved and respected that it became a complete non-issue, on and off the field.
So when a throw-in goes wildly astray, his comment, "I'm straighter than that one," is both hilarious and a mark of how far along the sport has come -- and how far he has brought it.
2.28 'I'm straighter than that one'.....................brilliant.
Love it at 6.51 where the player comes up to Nigel and says something and Nigel says No he wasnt and the player starts to argue with Nigel and he gives the player a look and says the players name and as he walk Nigel says Thank You
The reason Nigel was on the mobile phone was. In the game you have 4 officials 2 lines men, the ref and the tmo television match official. The tmo had spotted foul play which nigel missed on the field. Nigel ear peace had failed so the tmo sent someone with a phone to nigel in stoppage time to deal with the incident. They were in contact by phone in the meantime an alternative ear peace was being sorted so it does happen but that was the only time i have seen a ref on the field with a mobile phone odd for the fans and players but hey adds to the entertainment.
The chanting in one clip was the French National anthem. The quote about diving "Come back here in two weeks and play" was because the game was being played at a Soccer Ground !
Nigel is awesome - sadly now retired but a great ambassador for the game when he's not farming his award winning cattle. Another great rugby ref is Wayne Barnes - good to watch too!
thank you for highlighting a Welsh legend
Yesss this ref is what all sports need
The reason why he say's soccer is because Rugby is also called Rugby Football.
You should have a look at guy Martins wall of death world record attempt
Nigel Owens is the best referee ever. No question about it.
The problem is Rugby was called Rugby Football when the little boy picked up the football and ran with it. The soccer word was taken from association football, and adopted by Americans because they didn’t want to muddy the waters of their football which is basically rugby football but wearing amour in case they get hurt.
When I played Rugby as a younger man the main rules were: always respect the ref and what happens on the field stays on the field. Had massive punch ups on the field but after the game both teams were in the bar laughing and joking about it. One massive prop I caught with a sly elbow came up to me after the game..I though he was going to bury me, but he said “that was a good elbow, really hurt, let me buy you a pint” 😂
“Dydy e ddim yn colli gyfle!” - “He doesn’t miss an opportunity!”.
First openly Gay ref loved by all the GOAT
I'm English and I don't even care about rugby but when ever i hear this guys voice still makes me feel like I'm talking to my old PE teacher.
I like the irony at 7.29 that SpecSavers on the front of his shirt. They are a large world wide spectacles supplier.
Cymru Am Byth!
Was not only a great referee but also a very good singer with a great voice
As usual, I enjoyed your reaction Guys.
On the very last clip Nigel was being sarcastic as the adjudicator took an age to explain using Double Negatives when all he had to say was "You can award the try!"...lol
GUYS !! IF you REALLY want to see Italy in a Major Football Tournament and what they have always got up to then you MUST watch " THE BATTLE OF SANTIAGO " which is The World Cup Quarter Final in Chile in 1962. THE TOUGHEST FOOTBALL MATCH EVER and its 7-minute highlights are on RUclips. ENJOY
In another video he explained the use of the phone during a match. His comms to the TMO (guy in room with cameras) had broken so he had no way of hearing his input. Funny to watch and the various comments about it.
The small blonde bloke near the beginning looked like Faf de Klerk - a terrific Scrum Half and it's worth watching a video or two of him.
Just commented on another vid that you should do this pmsl.
Faff de klerk highlights are a great watch, 5ft 4 inches of snarling death
Respect is always given to the ref in Rugby. Nigel is very special though. His sense of humour and his fairness is legendary.
I'll watch anything rugby. New sub from South Africa 🇿🇦 rugby world champions
The reason he says "SOCCER" is because Ruby's full title is , Rugby Football
I know what you mean, but I think you should clear up who this Ruby character is.
"there's no reason why i can't award a try?....so that means i can award the try!!" 😂
Nigel Owens insulting wendyball (soccer) is based.
On a more serious note, he was always good at explaining his decisions to players so they had an opportunity not to repeat a mistake. Rugby is a technical game.
Think he's the only ref that is loved and respected by all fans in all countries.
I have too say this ref is one of the best for sure. ❤❤❤❤❤
Rugby Union is "the Gentlemans game" which is why everyone is so polite and respectful.
Retired now greatest ref ever
Have you guys reacted to an All Black Haka yet. Awesome
Clubs in Rugby are called Rugby Football Clubs traditionally and that is why he calls it Soccer. - I think.. 🤔 possibly...maybe....
For the tackles, from what i understand you can tackle from collarbone to the knees, and you can lift the player up, but if you do, it’s your responsibility to make sure they go back down safely.
Basically if you tackle you should make sure to ensure your opponents health, and they will do the same to you, which will ensure a generally safe game.
But they won’t get the player to leave because of blood, they’ll stop for concussion and excessive blood, but a little trickle doesn’t put you out of the game. They throw themselves on the ground at least once a try, so bloody scrapes are to be expected
You can tackle from the chest right down to the boots. Although you don't see it much these days there was an art to tackling low. Tap tackles are also allowed.