Nigel Owens – Respect

Nigel Owens MBE is a Welsh international rugby union referee. He is one of three professional referees at the Welsh Rugby Union.

00:00 Trailer.
02:07 Brian’s thoughts on the episode.
04:44 Brian’s introduction.
05:26 The game of rugby and what it means to Nigel.
09:41The value of respect in the different culture of rugby from football (soccer).
13:41 What it is like to walk out as a referee on to the stage of a rugby field.
19:37 Known for his one liners.
25:24 How Nigel reads the temperature of a game of rugby.
29:04 The national rivalries taking place in sporting arenas.
32:11 TMOs, their use and value.
34:45 Rugby team management styles and importance of grass roots rugby.
39:49 Nigel talks proudly and passionately about Wales, the country and its language.
44:42 How Nigel came to be a referee.
49:00 Growing up in Wales, Nigel speaks out against bullying.
53:49 Mental turmoil in coming to terms with his sexuality and of a suicide attempt.
1:05:26 Further years of worry about possible consequences of coming out to the rugby community.
1:15:51 The response to him coming out.
1:17:45 Nigel talks of his journey in order to help others who struggle with mental health issues.
1:23:04 Communication by speaking to people, is key in sport, work and life.
1:26:32 Possible reasons for lack of gay players coming out in other sports.
1:32:33 Only when you are allowed to be true to yourself can you be the best at what you do.
1:37:03 The future of rugby in the context of safety in a hard, dangerous, contact sport.
1:41:59 Success secrets.
1:42:44 What we would be surprised to learn about Nigel.
1:48:02 Nigel’s sadness at not having children.
1:52:54 Phone call to the 20 year old Nigel Owens.
1:54:45 Best advice ever received.
1:55:50 Advice to the young man watching who wants to be a referee like Nigel or a rugby player.
1:57:19 Brian’s summing up.

Nigel Owens’ links:
Nigel Owens on Twitter
Nigel Owens on YouTube
Nigel Owens on Instagram
Nigel Owens on Wikipedia

Nigel Owen’s Book:
Half Time: My Autobiography

Topics discussed:
Rugby Union
Rugby Union Officials (including TMOs)
Rugby Union in Wales
Wales
Six Nations Championship
Welsh language
Grammar Schools
Bullies Out
Bulimia nervosa
Stonewall (Acceptance without exception)
Show Racism the Red Card
LGBT foundation

People mentioned in this episode:
Ryan Jones
James Haskell
Matthew Pritchard
Howard Marks
Tom Jones
Will Young
Glen Jackson
Derek Bevan
Dan Carter
Richie McCaw
Barack Obama

Trailer Music:
A Himitsu – Adventures
A Himitsu – Lost Within
Silent Partner – Walk With Me