Ex referee Nigel Owens reveals worst player he's ever dealt with 

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Nigel Owens is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby referees of all time. Spanning a remarkable international career from 2003 to 2020, Owens officiated at the highest level for 17 years.

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His CV includes countless Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14 clashes, and he even took charge of the iconic 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

But while Owens undoubtedly has cherished memories of mingling with rugby's biggest stars, his job wasn't always plain sailing. Some players, notorious for their fiery tempers and relentless chatter, made his role considerably more challenging.

Since retiring, Owens has opened up about the players who gave him the hardest time on the pitch. Here's his top five:

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1. Austin Healey – The Mouthy Maverick

Austin Healey, the former England and Leicester Tigers back, was known for his versatility and sharp wit on and off the pitch. Owens, however, remembers him for his constant chatter.

Owens shared: "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 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."

Healey's penchant for challenging authority made him a handful for referees, though Owens acknowledges his undeniable rugby intellect and charisma.

2. Dan Biggar – The Passionate Perfectionist

Dan Biggar, the Welsh fly-half and British & Irish Lion, is renowned for his fiery competitiveness and game management. While his passion is an asset to his teams, it often made him a tricky player to officiate.

Owens explained: "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."

Biggar's ability to stay on the edge of intense focus and frustration made him both a joy and a challenge to referee.

3. Martin Roberts – The Constant Commentator

Martin Roberts, a former scrum-half for the Ospreys and Wales, now spends his time on the other side of the whistle as a referee. Owens recalls his relentless commentary during games.

"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 quipped.

Roberts' transformation from player to referee perhaps shows how much he's always loved dissecting the game.

4. Maro Itoje – The Competitive Conundrum

England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje has built a reputation as one of the most influential players in modern rugby. Owens acknowledges Itoje's brilliance but admits he's challenging to manage.

"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," Owens said.

"You don't want him to change the way he plays, but he needs to pick and choose when he gambles and when he doesn't. Knowing when to take a risk and when to play safe can make all the difference."

Itoje's energy and physicality are his strengths, but they've also landed him in hot water with officials on more than one occasion.

5. Peter Stringer & Ronan O'Gara – The Double Trouble Duo

Peter Stringer, the legendary Irish scrum-half, and his longtime partner-in-crime, fly-half Ronan O'Gara, were a nightmare pairing for any referee. Owens had plenty of experience officiating the Munster and Ireland duo and fondly remembers their antics.

"Definitely! ROG and Stringer, oh, when you had to referee the two of them together. I always got on well with 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," Owens recalled.

Both Stringer and O'Gara's sharp rugby minds made them formidable opponents—and relentless debaters on the field.

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