Legendary referee Nigel Owens had 'perfect wedding', now he is starting a family
Rugby NewsFriday, 18 July 2025 at 20:51
at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.
Popular Welsh referee Nigel Owens tied the knot with his long-term partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, last year.
The couple, who have been together for several years, exchanged vows in a private ceremony, marking a new chapter in their lives.
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Jones-Davies, a primary school teacher, and Owens, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby referees of all time, share not only a deep personal bond but also a passion for farming, which they manage together in the picturesque Gwendraeth Valley.
The 51-year-old Owens, who officiated 100 test matches before retiring in 2020, has remained active in the rugby world through various advisory roles with the Welsh Rugby Union, the United Rugby Championship, and World Rugby.
However, despite receiving a tempting offer from South Africa's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, to join the Springboks' coaching team for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Owens revealed that he had to decline the opportunity.
In his column for
Wales Online, Owens explained that the timing was not right, primarily due to exciting developments in his personal life. “The main reason why I had to turn down the job is because myself and my partner Barrie have some exciting news to share - we are currently in the final stages of the adoption process and will hopefully be starting our family in the coming months,” Owens wrote.
He expressed his excitement about becoming a parent, a journey the couple has been preparing for over the past few years. “There’s not too much I can say at the moment about the process itself, but we are both incredibly excited. It’s something that we’ve spoken about for a few years now and it’s taken a while to get here, but now that it’s happening we can’t wait, although I must admit it’s also a little nerve-wracking,” Owens admitted.
Recognising the immense responsibility that comes with raising a child, Owens emphasised that family must come first. “As any parent will tell you, there’s no bigger commitment than raising a child, so that was obviously the main reason why I decided against the South Africa job in the end. I couldn’t, nor would I want to, go away for the next six months with this happening,” he added.
EDITORS PICKS:
Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List
Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn’t mean every player is a fan favourite.
In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition — whether it’s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being toodamn good.
With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one storming to the top of the list.
A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you
#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.
That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.
RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)
Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.
Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.
RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.
Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.
RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)
Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.
He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.
RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)
Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.
He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.
RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking
The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.
Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?
Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.
RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.
- 42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
- The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
- The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans
Now it's time to test your memory.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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