.

Writing for Wales Online, Owens praised Pollock’s talent and personality but admitted he felt the back-rower’s antics during the game went too far.

“He's certainly a great talent with the potential to become one of the game's finest. There's no doubt about that, but you can't place him in the same category as some of the great players at the moment,” Owens said.

“For one, he needs to play a lot of caps for England, win things and be a regular starter in those games at international level. It seems he's not quite there yet.

“Will he get there in the future? We'll have to wait and see.”

Pollock has quickly become one of rugby’s biggest personalities, with his emotional celebrations and confrontational style dividing opinion among fans and pundits alike.

Owens admitted rugby needs more characters but questioned the timing of Pollock’s actions during the defeat to Leicester.

“Pollock has a sort of bit of a showboating thing about him - and that's fine if you are that kind of player and that's what makes you tick,” Owens explained.

“Rugby needs characters. Of course it does.

“But I was watching the game over the weekend and thought, ‘Oh, no. Now is not the time to be jumping up and down with the gum shield halfway out of your mouth enticing the opposition when you're looking at a scoreboard that reflects poorly on your team.’”

The former international referee added that he would have stepped in had he been officiating the fixture himself.

“If I'd been reffing that game, then there would've been a stern, quiet word with him, I think,” he said.

Despite his criticism, Owens made clear he still enjoys Pollock’s presence in rugby and appreciates the entertainment factor he brings.

“He's a very popular figure. I've never met him. I've never refereed him, I don't think.

“I don't know what kind of guy he is. On the field, I don't really mind him being the character that he is, because it's great to have characters in the game.

“But I thought he crossed the line a little bit, and he needs to be careful that he doesn't get a reputation and doesn't become a bit of a liability, I guess.”

BARNES SAID: “Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time. Sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field—he just knew the law book inside out, and when he asked a question, he often had a point.”

OWENS SAID: "If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards."

Who was McCaw?
An All Blacks titan, Richie McCaw won the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and claimed three World Rugby Player of the Year awards. With 148 caps, he became notorious for pushing the breakdown to the absolute limit—operating in the shadows better than anyone before or since.

OWENS SAID: “Oh god yes. He’s so focused and so passionate about what he’s doing. We’ve had a few run-ins on the pitch down the years, but it’s always been in a respectful way—we always have a drink and a laugh after the game.”

Who is Dan Biggar?
One of Wales’ most intense competitors, Dan Biggar built his career on precision, passion and fire. A driving force behind Wales’ 2019 Grand Slam, he also gained worldwide attention for his famous pre-kick routine—nicknamed The Biggarena in homage to Los Del Rio’s Macarena

BARNES SAID: “I was always petrified of him because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership. I had to sin-bin him once and I actually apologised as I did it. I said, ‘I’m very sorry I have to do this’ because he’s such a big personality. He scared me witless!”

Who was Martin Johnson?
A true England great, Martin Johnson lifted the 2003 Rugby World Cup, captained the British & Irish Lions twice and became one of the most commanding figures the sport has ever seen. Later taking charge as England head coach, he guided them to the 2011 Six Nations title.

OWENS SAID: “Definitely. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully. A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty to say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him. He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”

Who was Austin Healey?
Known as “The Leicester Lip”, Austin Healey matched his brilliance with equal levels of chat. Capable of playing almost anywhere in the backline, he starred for England and the Lions, but became legendary for winding up opponents—and occasionally the officials too.

OWENS SAID: “Itoje is someone who plays right on the edge. That is what makes him such a great player. He must be so difficult to play against, but he’s also difficult to referee—and I mean that with the utmost respect.”

BARNES SAID: "The hardest players are the best players."

Who is Maro Itoje?
A modern superstar, Maro Itoje has become one of England’s defining forces. A three-time Lions tourist and serial Premiership and Champions Cup winner, he’s built a reputation on disruption, intensity and relentless pressure—giving opposition forwards and referees the same headache.