The Welsh referee stopped into RTÉ on his way back from refereeing Munster yesterday.
Nigel Owens is the most recognisable rugby referee around and he’s become synonymous for his no nonsense refereeing as well as his clever on-field quips.
Last night he gave a very frank interview where he discussed his personal life, his refereeing career and some of the difficulties he has faced.
He also spoke very openly about his struggles coming to terms with his sexuality and the struggles he had with his mental health. You can watch the full interview on the RTE Player.
They couldn’t let him leave without asking about his witticisms though, and Owens discussed some of his more famous moments on the pitch including his now patented phrase, “this is not soccer,” which went down very well with the audience.
Here’s a little clip of that moment.
Video via RTÉ – IRELAND’S NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA
We highly recommend watching his full interview on the RTE Player here.
Nigel Owens is hugely popular and is very active on social media, especially Twitter, and the Twittterati of Ireland were very impressed with his interview last night.
Here is a snapshot of what was said.
@Nigelrefowens Really enjoyed interview last night. Powerful. Loved comments regarding respect.
Hope your health and happiness continues.— Michael Clancy (@Michael_PClancy) May 8, 2016
@Nigelrefowens You're fantastic I so admire you – great interview, so honest. P.S. Glad nothing fell out #lucky
— Adrienne Wynne (@adrienne_wynne) May 7, 2016
Loved @Nigelrefowens interview tonight- definitely top of my Dinner party wish list.!! Always entertaining, eloquent, honest . #raydarcyshow
— Ciara Byrne (@ciarasings) May 7, 2016
Could listen to @Nigelrefowens talk all day. Such an inspirational man and an awesome accent to top it all off👌
— Diarmuid (@Spiker9999) May 7, 2016
Chilling watching the great @Nigelrefowens after a busy Communion party day. Wonder if @MrMerlinsMagic is doing same pic.twitter.com/FZcjGS75rB
— Billy Bubbles (@TheBillyBubbles) May 7, 2016
@Nigelrefowens great interview. Could have listened to you for whole show! You are a gentleman and an inspiration. Very well done!!!!
— Tracy Meade (@tracy_meade) May 7, 2016
Brilliant interview from @Nigelrefowens on RTE. Always engaging about sport and life. Great chatting about respect (and lack of in football)
— Alan Murphy (@murphyal1) May 7, 2016
@Nigelrefowens As a native Gaeilge speaker it was Great to hear the pride you feel for your own language. Agallamh íontach 👍😊
— Eibhlin de Bhailís (@EibhlindeBhails) May 7, 2016
@Nigelrefowens Gent on the field, Gent off the field. All aspiring Referees have the best role model in the game. Well played Nigel.
— Jonny O'Shea (@J29oshea) May 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/james_kelly95/status/729072167539879936
https://twitter.com/Gillian43612620/status/729071758494584833
@Nigelrefowens great interview. Your story will help so many people.
— Grainne O'Rourke (@niamhandaaron) May 7, 2016
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