VIDEO: Nigel Owen's spicy take on French player's fake dive
REACTION: France scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec has become the butt of many jokes and attracted harsh criticism for his ‘fake diving’ in a Top 14 match at the weekend.
Legendary former referee Nigel Owens pulled no punches, quipping that has he would have had “no hesitation” in awarding the Racing 92 No.9, Le Garrec, a “straight red” for his unsportsmanlike attempt to have an opponent penalised.
The 22-year-old became public enemy number on social media, following his dramatic collapse to the ground at the weekend in his side’s 24-28 loss to Perpignan at the Stade Aimé Giral.
He faked a collision with Perpignan’s Bruce Devaux at a ruck, and then Le Garrec writhed on the floor clutching his face under the nose of referee Kevin Bralley.
Referee Kevin Bralley was having none of it and told the player so in no uncertain terms.
The scrumhalf’s behaviour was called “shameful”, with calls for him to be banned for his disgraceful conduct.
Owens, who has plenty of viral videos of his treatment of divers during his illustrious officiating career, waded into the discussion on social media, saying Le Garrec was “lucky” that he was not refereeing.
He is lucky I wasn’t refin or he would have had a straight red no hesitation https://t.co/xqZR0GfN6R
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) April 20, 2025
“He is lucky I wasn’t refin or he would have had a straight red, no hesitation,” Owens said in a social media post.
It was also pointed out that the dive was in contravention of World Rugby law 9.27: “A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.”
