London
Referee Nigel Owens has announced his retirement from the international game after controlling 100 Test matches.
Welshman Owens, 49, became the first rugby union referee to reach that figure when he took charge of the Autumn Nations Cup game between France and Italy in Paris last month.
And he has now decided to bring down the curtain with immediate effect on a Test career that began 17 years ago and was highlighted by him taking charge of the 2015 World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham.
“Nobody has a divine right to go on forever,” Owens said, in a statement released by the Welsh Rugby Union.
“There comes a time where it is time to move on, so international refereeing will come to an end now. That France versus Italy game was my last Test match. To go out on 100 is a good time to go.
“I am not going to be around for 2023 (World Cup). I don’t want to be. I still hope to referee in the PRO 14 and locally in Wales this season, and maybe next season as well.
“I will certainly continue to referee in the community game, because when you are very fortunate to get so much out of something I think it’s hugely important that you give something back to it as well.—AP
