The most famous referee in world rugby, World Cup Final whistle blower, and a genuinely funny man
RugbyNigel Owens is the only referee most rugby supporters can name, and almost certainly the only one who could sell out theatres on the strength of his one liners.
Born in Mynyddcerrig in 1971, Owens worked as a hospital porter before taking up refereeing in the mid 1990s. By 2005 he was officiating Test matches, and over the next fifteen years he built a reputation as the most trusted whistle in world rugby. He refereed 100 Tests, an all time record, and took charge of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham, the peak moment in any referee's career.
His style was unmistakable. Calm, clear, patient with captains, funny with players, and completely unflappable under pressure. Lines like 'this is not soccer' travelled round the world and turned a Welsh referee into a genuine global figure. Players respected him because he respected them, and because every decision came with a reason that made sense.
Off the field Owens has lived a life as public as his career. He came out in 2007, the first high profile referee to do so, and has campaigned for mental health awareness and LGBT inclusion in sport ever since. His autobiography and subsequent speaking tours fill theatres across Wales, Ireland and beyond, and his mix of warmth, self deprecation and very sharp timing has made him one of the most in demand speakers in British sport.
At Steam Wine Bar Owens delivers a genuine one man show, full of the best stories from inside the top level of world rugby, told by the man who blew the whistle on all of them.
Two decades of world class speakers in the basement at EC3. Want to book Nigel Owens or someone like them? Tell us what you need and we will come back with a plan.
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