Top 10 Nigel Owens quips
Former international rugby referee, Nigel Owens is not only one of the most highly regarded adjudicators in the sport thanks to his career longevity and global experience, but also for his incredibly sharp quips.
Let’s celebrate Nigel Owens and more specifically his hilarious one-liners. Here we look back at some of his best moments in the middle.
From World Cups to Heineken Cups and every other competition available, Nigel has been at the forefront of ensuring safe and fair play for the sport’s biggest games.
Equally prominent for his LGBT+ rights advocacy, Nigel is openly gay and challenging the taboo surrounding homosexuality in male-dominated industries like rugby. He still offers a fresh perspective on pitch matters on social media and columns i from the pitch and expands on the importance of diversity and inclusion in supporting mental health.
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 still captivates with his quirky and sharp quips.
We take a look at some of his sharpest and funniest moments on the rugby field, as Nigel’s charismatic persona has left a lasting impression on players and supporters of rugby all over the world.
“Don’t swear, now, you’re on telly, mun.” – To New Zealand’s Dan Carter in the 2015 World Cup Final.
“I’m straighter than that one…” – To Harlequins hooker Dave Ward following a particularly bad lineout throw.
“Can we get a physio? I just pulled something in my calf!” – To a water distributor for one of the international sides he was refereeing.
“I can’t give you the three points but I’ll give you a go at them.” – In response to a captain indicating he wishes to attempt a kicked penalty by saying his side will “take the three”.
“This is not soccer” – Probably his most famous quote, to Treviso scrum-half Tobias Botes who complained that the Munster captain Paul O’Connell wasn’t releasing at the ruck. Nigel calls him over… and after a long lecture… ends with “This is not soccer”. Class.
“Do you want to take the kick?” – Italy skipper is in action for club side Stade Francais against Bath. He kicks down field and it bounces beautifully into touch, a kick that any fly-half or top kicker in the world would be proud of. From the resulting line-out, Stade won a penalty on the 22m line. Parisse signals to Owens that they will be going for goal, to which Owens replies “Do you want to take the kick after that one?” even though, Parisse isn’t the chosen kicker for his club.
“The football stadium is 500 yards that way…” – As one of the best referees in the World, Nigel Owens is appointed to some of the best games in all competitions. We visit the Heineken Cup for number 5 where Belfast side Ulster and English Premiership legends Leicester Tigers line up in a crucial pool match. Tigers centre Anthony Allen doesn’t agree with the penalty Nigel’s just given against his side so he complains. With most referees you might get away with it, but you’re making a huge mistake complaining to Nige. With another football-related response, he replies to Allen, “The football stadium is 500 yards that way”.
9 “If you want to cuddle, do it off the field, not on it.” – To fighting players in a Harlequins vs Wasps match.
10 “I’m straighter than that one…” – Another European Champions Cup match at the Stoop, a ‘Quins line-out on the half way line goes terribly wrong for Dave Ward. The ball goes so far off-course that even his own team can’t get to it…. Owens’ turns to him and delivers the brilliant one-liner… “I’m straighter than that one”.
And there we have it. Thank you Nigel.
