Nigel Owens was born on June 18, 1971, in Wales. He was raised in the small Welsh village of Mynyddcerrig, where he grew up with a love for rugby. Owens attended Ysgol Gyfun Maes-yr-Yrfa, where he first began to develop his skills as a rugby player. However, it was not long before he realized that his true passion lay in officiating the game rather than playing it.
After honing his skills as a referee in local matches, Nigel Owens quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected referees in the world of rugby union. He made his international debut in 2000 and has since officiated in numerous high-profile matches, including multiple Rugby World Cup tournaments.
Aside from his work on the field, Owens has also made a name for himself as a television personality. He has hosted several popular Welsh talk shows, including Jonathan and Bwrw'r Bar, as well as the quiz show Munud i Fynd.
In 2007, Nigel Owens made headlines when he publicly came out as gay. This was a groundbreaking moment for the world of rugby, as Owens became the first openly gay international rugby referee. In recognition of his bravery, he was named Gay Sports Personality of the Year by Stonewall.
Despite facing some backlash for his sexuality, Owens has remained true to himself and continues to be a role model for LGBTQ+ athletes around the world. He has also spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and has become a vocal advocate for destigmatizing mental illness.
Throughout his career, Nigel Owens has not only established himself as one of the most accomplished rugby referees in the world but also as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in sports. His courage, integrity, and passion for the game have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow referees alike.