Nigel Owens
Kirsty Young talks to international rugby union referee Nigel Owens.
Kirsty Young's castaway this week is the rugby union referee Nigel Owens.
His steely authority and quick wit on the field have won him worldwide praise - he's widely regarded as one of the best referees in the business for the impact he makes on the flow and coherence of a game. In 2015 he became the second Welsh official since 1991 to referee a World Cup Final - in a memorable match between New Zealand and Australia.
Born and raised in a small village in Carmarthenshire, he first picked up the whistle aged 16, when it became clear to both his teacher and himself that he wouldn't make much impact as a player.
A former school technician and farm worker, he broke through onto the international refereeing circuit in 2005 and took charge of his first Test when Japan hosted Ireland in Osaka that summer.
In 2007 he became one of the first high-profile sports professionals to come out as gay - a courageous move in a sport which often defines the word macho. He has spoken about this decision as being the biggest challenge he has ever faced - even more so than officiating an international match under intense scrutiny in front of 95,000 spectators and a global TV audience. The severe depression he experienced coming to terms with his sexuality culminated in an attempt to take his own life in his twenties.
He now says the unwavering support he has received from the rugby authorities, the players and the fans has enabled him to be true to himself and carry on working in the game he loves.
Producer: Paula McGinley.
Last on
An illuminating and emotional interview with the international rugby union referee.
Clips
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Nigel Owens: 'I just say it as it is'
Duration: 00:53
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Nigel Owens: 'I could have well finished refereeing'
Duration: 01:18
Music Played
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Tom Jones
Green, Green Grass of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
- Green, Green Grass of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
- DERAM.
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John Eifion
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti
- John Eifion.
- Sain.
-
Nicole
A Little Peace
- This is Eurovision.
- Virgin.
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Rhydian & Bryn Terfel
Myfanwy
- O Fortuna.
- Sony.
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Jennifer Rush
The Power of Love
- Jennifer Rush.
- CBS.
-
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE
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Bryn FΓ΄n
Angen Y Gan
- Dyddiau Di-Gymar.
- Crai.
-
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Disturbed
The Sound of Silence
- Immortalized.
- Reprise.
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Gloria Gaynor
I Am What I Am
- The Very Best Of Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive.
- Chrysalis Records.
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BOOK CHOICE
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
LUXURY ITEM
Welsh tea
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Kirsty Young |
Interviewed Guest | Nigel Owens |
Producer | Paula McGinley |
Broadcasts
- Sun 5 Feb 2017 11:15Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Fri 10 Feb 2017 09:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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