53-year-old Mr Owens, from Cross Hands, had an illustrious 17-year career where he was known for his no nonsense approach. The Welshman would officiate over 100 test matches including the 2015 Rugby World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand.
He is the only referee to officiate in a record seven European Cup finals, including 3 consecutively in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and also a took charge of a record six Pro14 finals.
He was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2016 before retiring from officiating rugby in December 2020.
Off the pitch, Nigel has tirelessly worked to raise awareness of mental health issues speaking candidly about the challenges he has faced, including depression, an eating disorder and addiction.
The sports star battled to come to terms with his sexuality before becoming the first openly-gay professional referee.
He often speaks publicly about mental health issues, and advocates for ending stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health struggles.
Speaking in front of graduates in Bath University Nigel Owens said:
“The last time I was in Bath refereeing I was booed not clapped so it’s very much appreciated! Thanks for this great honour here at this wonderful venue and from the wonderful University that is Bath as well.
“If it wasn’t for the great sport that rugby is, but more important than that – the people in the sport, then I wouldn’t be able to be who I am today and that’s why I owe more to rugby than rugby will ever owe to me.”
Nigel went on to urge the graduating students to seize the opportunity they now had before them, but to remember the people who had supported them along the way and not to be afraid to ask for help when needed.
“Don’t try to be perfect because if you do then the perfect will become the enemy of the good,” continued Nigel.
“What is achievable is to become a good person. To create a good and loving caring home, to create a workplace where people can be themselves, a university where people take their authentic selves to work, to study.”
Professor Roland Jones delivering the oration at the ceremony said:
“He was, and still is, respected by rugby fans around the globe for his authority and brilliant rugby knowledge and is universally liked by fans irrespective of club or national allegiance.
“He always refereed with a smile on his face and an obvious enjoyment of the game and was able to keep a relaxed but very firm hold on proceedings, defusing tense situations with a ready quip and a sharp sense of humour.
“He earned a following as an official who commanded respect from the players in the sport, but if they didn’t pay him that respect they were likely to be in for a long, hard 80 minutes!
“Nigel has a unique status within rugby, but hearing about how even legends can struggle with challenges in their lives has informed, inspired and guided many others to learn how to deal with adversity far beyond the world of rugby.
“He has proven himself to be an inspirational figure, in rugby undoubtedly, but also off the field, to millions who can relate to his determination, his pride and his fight with mental health issues.”
[Lead image: Bath University]
