"Definitely Biggar" Nigel Owens ranks the FIVE worst World Cup stars to referee

During this period, he officiated numerous matches in the Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

While he amassed cherished memories alongside rugby's brightest stars over the years, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Some players, known for their on-field temperament, often made life challenging for referees.

Since his retirement from international rugby, Owens has candidly shared stories of the three most challenging players he had to referee during his illustrious career.

Healey, a versatile English rugby player, made his mark from 1997 to 2006. Renowned for his dynamic skills and versatility, Healey could play at scrum-half, fly-half, or full-back positions. His 51 caps for England showcased his adaptability and contributed to the team's success during the era.

Owens said: “Definitely Healey. 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 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.”

Owens said: "Oh god yes, Biggar can be a tricky customer on the field.

"He's so focused and so passionate about what he's doing no matter the game or occasion, we've had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.

"I mean, it's always been in a respectful way and we always have a drink and a laugh after the game."

"The Ospreys scrum-half has actually started refereeing now, but he'd always be in my ear all game when he was a player. He certainly thought he knew the laws then."

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. 

"He plays with passion and on the line. It is difficult to tell Itoje not to bring the same confrontation and aggression to the game that he usually does. It would take away from his game.

"You don’t want him to change the way he plays but he needs to pick and choose when he gambles on the situation and when he doesn’t. And understand better those moments when you are under pressure and knowing when, if you take a risk and get it wrong, you will land your team in real trouble."

Owens said: “Definitely! ROG and (Peter) Stringer, oh, when you had to referee the two of them together.

"I always got on well with the both of them though. I have a huge amount of respect for them, but they made my days hard on occasions. They were lippy in a respectful way.”