Nigel Owens has a very different career since quitting rugby in 2019
Rugby NewsMonday, 29 July 2024 at 14:42
It's not just their roles on the pitch that define match officials. Some of these officials have careers away from rugby, including doctors and solicitors, showcasing the diverse talents and backgrounds that come together to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the game we all love.
As we delve deeper into their day jobs, we gain a fuller appreciation of the multifaceted individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the spirit of rugby in the global arena.
#1. Nigel Owens
Nationality: Welsh
Occupation: Farmer
The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field.
Over the years, Owens has been able to save up to buy his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they've built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.
Nigel Owens is going to be a Dad:
The 51-year-old, who officiated 100 test matches before retiring in 2020, said the offer from Rassie Erasmus to join South Africa's coaching team ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was enticing, but the timing was not right.
“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.
“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.
“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."
His partner Barrie works off-farm as a primary school teacher.
Nigel Owens toughest player to referee: Austin Healey
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 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.”
#2. Ben O'Keeffe
Nationality: New Zealand
Occupation: Eye Doctor
One of New Zealand's six full-time referees, O'Keeffe is also a qualified doctor specialising in ophthalmology, which deals with eye health and disease.
Ben O'Keeffe facts:
O'Keeffe became an amateur referee for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in 2013 having started officiating in 2008 at the age of 19
He grew up in Blenheim, New Zealand and attended Marlborough Boys' College where he was head boy in 2006.
O'Keeffe's brother, Michael O'Keeffe, represented New Zealand at the 2012 London Olympics in football
Ben O'Keeffe toughest player to referee: Ma'a Nonu
O'Keeffe said: "I think like Ma’a Nonu, yeah he was pretty tough. I’ve noticed over the last few years that players are just a lot bigger, a lot faster and a lot stronger.
"I trained with the Highlanders pre-season one year and you get a real appreciation of how big, fit and hard they hit. That just remind me why I just I love refereeing – so I don’t have to take those big hits."
#3. Wayne Barnes
Referee, Wayne Barnes during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 29 Jan. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Nationality: English
Occupation: BarristerIt was law he studied at university and a career as a barrister he pursued after graduating, but as he started to progress up the ranks as a referee the RFU offered to employ him in 2005. He’s now refereed more Premiership games than any other official.
Wayne Barnes facts:
- When not on the pitch or working with the England team, Barnes is a practising barrister
- Barnes started playing rugby at the age of eight, and took up refereeing aged 15 with Gloucester & District Referees
- He also has two young children, Juno and Beau with wife Polly.
Wayne Barnes toughest player to referee Richie McCaw
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 knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point.”
#4. Jaco Peyper
Referee, Jaco Peyper watches the TMO for a potential shoulder charge during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Age: 42
Nationality: South African
Occupation: Lawyer
The 38-year-old still operates as an attorney for his family business, Peyper Attorneys while continuing to be one of the worlds best referees.
#5. Andrew Brace
Age: 34
Nationality: Irish/Welsh
Occupation: Musician
He is a grade eight violinist. His violin teacher was the mother of TV presenter Gethin Jones.
Andrew Brace toughest player to referee: Marcel Coetzee
Brace said: “ I think one of the toughest players I’ve refereed would be Marcel Coetzee. He’s such a physical player who never takes a backward step.”
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