Wales honours two referees

Wales has honoured two of its most famous referees – Nigel Owens and Ken Rowlands.

Welsh Rugby Union President Dennis Gethin presented Owens with a commemorative cap to mark his 50th Test match at the annual Welsh Society of Rugby Union Referees' dinner at the Millennium Stadium.

Owens reached the milestone this year when he took control of the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy.

Welsh Rugby Union manager of match officials Nigel Whitehouse paid tribute to Owens: "Nigel is without doubt one of the world's leading officials and deserves the stream of plaudits that has come his way over the past 12 months. He has tremendous respect within refereeing and also total respect from players and coaches alike."

Owens said he was both humbled and honoured to receive the award in front of his peer group. "I would like to thank the Welsh Rugby Union and all the people who have supported me over the years and this award is one of the proudest moments of my career."

Former international referee Ken Rowlands of Ynysbwl was also honoured as he takes his retirement from the game after over 50 years of service to Welsh refereeing. Rowlands became a Welsh Rugby Union referee in 1964, he took charge of four international matches and later became the Welsh Rugby Union's first director of referees in 1990 for 10 years. He has continued as an advisor for the last 14 years. He was presented with a crystal rose bowl by Dennis Gethin in recognition of this outstanding achievement.

In 1986 he ended his career with four Tests on successive weeks between the Springboks and the New Zealand Cavaliers, a tough assignment indeed.

Nigel Whitehouse added, "Ken has been a marvellous servant to Welsh rugby as a first class referee, a director of refereeing, a post he carried out with integrity and professionalism, and as an advisor, providing invaluable help and support to referees and selectors."