Refereeing legends Barnes and Owens rank the five worst players to referee

Two of the best referee’s to ever pick up an ACME Whistle, it’s interesting to see who give them the hardest time on the rugby pitch.

DID YOU KNOW? Nigel Owens started refereeing in 1987, after his sports teacher John Beynon suggested he take up refereeing after a poor performance in a school game.

Legendary New Zealand rugby player, known for his exceptional leadership as an All Black. McCaw's relentless work ethic and strategic brilliance made him a dominant force in the sport, securing two Rugby World Cup victories and numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career.

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.”

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

Welsh rugby maestro, celebrated for his precision kicking and astute game management as a fly-half. Biggar's ability to control the tempo of matches and deliver under pressure has been instrumental for both the Welsh national team and his club sides, earning him widespread admiration.

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

DID YOU KNOW? Biggar has his own routine before kicking goals, which fans now call "The Biggarena" after Los Del Rio's 1995 hit, Macarena.

Towering figure in English rugby, revered for his imposing presence and uncompromising style as a lock forward. Johnson's leadership propelled England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, solidifying his status as one of the game's greatest captains and inspiring generations of players.

BARNES SAID: “I was always petrified of him because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership. 2003 was my first [season] and obviously that was towards the end of his career and I remember 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. I guess he was always someone who scared me witless!”

DID YOU KNOW? Under his management England won the 2011 Six Nations Championship, their first since 2003

Versatile English rugby star, renowned for his agility and versatility on the field. Healey's dynamic play as a scrum-half, fly-half, and winger earned him acclaim with Leicester Tigers and the England national team, showcasing his speed, creativity, and tactical acumen.

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.”

DID YOU KNOW? He is a famously competitive and "outspoken" character, gaining the nickname "The Leicester Lip"

Dynamic English rugby star, known for his athleticism, versatility, and disruptive presence in the forward pack. Itoje's dominance in the lineout and ferocious tackling make him a formidable force on the field, while his leadership qualities mark him as a future captaincy contender for club and country.

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,”