Nigel Owens

Nigel Owens makes costly mistake on journey to Cork after Pro14 game

Owens was on the whistle in Thomond Park as Munster edged out Edinburgh by two points thanks to a late CJ Stander try.

But the Welsh referee took to Twitter on Sunday to reveal that when travelling to Cork after the game, he missed his turn and ended up near the popular tourist town of Tralee in neighbouring County Kerry.

The missed turn added over an hour to Owens’ journey, an unfortunate mistake after taking charge of the late 7.35pm kick-off.

Nigel Owens backs introduction of 'orange card'

The orange card was one of a slew of reffing recommendations given by World Rugby this week, designed to provide national member unions with further Covid-19 transmission risk reduction measures if required.

The card would see players removed from the field for 15 minutes for certain high tackle offences, but would lead to an automatic citing as is the norm with the traditional red cards. Crucially, the incident could then be reviewed by ‘Hawk Eye’, who could then upgrade the decision to a red card.

Owens opens up on bulimia battle

Owens, who took charge of the 2015 RWC decider between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham, has previously revealed he attempted to commit suicide as he struggled to understand his sexuality before coming out as gay.

And the courageous Welshman, arguably rugby's most high-profile match official, has taken part in a BBC television programme about male eating disorders to urge others suffering from similar problems to seek help.

Rugby ref Nigel Owens asked to be chemically castrated

He said the pressure of officiating the 2015 final was nothing compared to accepting his homosexuality.

The Welsh referee suffered from bulimia and attempted suicide because being gay felt "totally alien" to him.

Owens, the first openly gay man to officiate at the highest level of the game, revealed his sexuality in 2007.