Ref Owens 'shook up and sore'

International referee Nigel Owens was left "shaken" but not seriously hurt after a motorway accident on Monday.

The accident occurred as Owens drove from Bristol Airport to south Wales after officiating in the European Cup match between Castres and Leinster in France on Sunday.

"Thanks all of u who stopped to see if I was ok after smash on M4," the 42-year-old Welshman wrote on Twitter.

"Vrry [sic] shaken but ok. Car is prob rite off [write-off] though thanks to the police too."

He added: "Really am touched that so many of you have sent messages and text me after the accident. I am ok thanks shaken and sore but ok. Thanks all."

Owens has refereed three European Cup finals and was an assistant referee at the 2011 Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand.

AFP