Public Lecture Series: 'A night Out with Nigel Owens' - Nigel Owens MBE

[@Ryan-lx6oh]

He will be surley missed on the Rugby field! I'm a Kiwi for what it's worth and there will never be another Nigel Owens. He is the Grand Master of referee's! Awesome Speech Mr Owens!

[@recruitmentwebsites]

As an Englishman, I can say Nigel is the best ref I have ever seen so far in my 52 years. Seems to be a great human being as well. Respect.

[@COYBIG1967]

Agreed, im Scottish and Nigel is amazing, I think he is not only a great ref and person but he’s brave , there’s not a lot of openly gay ppl in any sports really n in such a tough sport like rugby well sadly we can all imagine what the stigma would of been certainly in years gone by and sadly still now at times. To come out and be open was brave and him and Gareth Thomas have both done a lot to challenge the stereotypes of rugby players. Obviously I don’t know the guy personally so It might sound strange (hope not tho) but I’m so so proud of him, he’s a wonderful person

[@hakandelabiarritz6750]

I support france so i say the same

[@yackfou2412]

As a german, I can say you both are british! 💁🏼‍♂️😅

[@iananderson3799]

What has being an Englishman to do with it?

[@jamesbutler6253]

@@yackfou2412 As an Irishman I agree with you.

[@Maarc-uy3nz]

Absolutely one of the best inspirational speeches I have ever heard, The World needs more people like Nigel Owens. Thank you Nigel

[@CorkRef]

Maarc3123 The most inspirational and genuine person I have ever had the honour to meet and an incredibly humble gentleman

[@jur1ss93]

So true Maarc sadly missed 20/21 6 Nations season 😞😞😞🏉☘️

[@bushchat28d]

Kids in schools, parents...everyone should be offered the opportunity to watch that speech. Fantastic - well done to you Nigel, the best of the best.

[@flyboy2880]

This man is a legend on and off the rugby field.Respect.

[@MegaPaulant]

What a great speech huge admiration for Nigel Owens.

[@scott7008]

Nigel Owens, best referee in the rugby business, even in his occasional off days, he has so much width and experience , he commands respect from the public, above all the players and obviously the critics... its a pleasure to watch him ply his trade, his humour and sense of pure rugby is exceptional.

[@philhardy6470]

Wow, there was somethings I didn’t know about his life. Very emotional & inspiring as well. Nigel Owens, is the best referee of all time, what a great man & role model to many youngsters. Much respect to you Nigel. Best of luck for your future.

[@GST51]

You forgot to mention self obsessed attention seeking drama queen !

[@jep1912]

Nigel, I too was bullied for 3/4 years (c1980-84) whilst attending the school where Ian McGeechan and Tony Biscombe worked, they taught me to love the beautiful game. Rugby saved me during hard times. Thanks for the openness, honesty and an inspiring lecture.

[@mickmeadows2040]

In my opinion best Rugby ref ever, after watching his lecture, what an incredible man he is too. We need him to go to the next level and bring his logic's, reasoning's and experiences more into the public domain for the well-being of all. The world is his oyster. Respect Nigel

[@thenotoriousN.U.G]

I'm very glad I watched all of this speech. It was a captivating story by a guy who really is the best referee in the game of rugby STILL.

[@malcolmmaclenan8356]

Nigel is a wonderful speaker, you could listen to him for hours.

[@pallekulinghibbster]

I know nothing about rugby. I have only seen Mr Owens in various clips on youtube. But I still watched this whole speach. Inspiering! Thank you!

[@encouragesolutions2595]

First time I have been able to truly understand the correlation between being happy and doing your very best when under pressure stemming from mental health driven issues. He speaks the truth from the heart. Top guy !

[@Finderskeepers.]

another point to note is the support and respect he has got on all of the issues he has been open about

[@johnjames6045]

i had 100% respect for Nigel Owens, but after watching this, that's increased ten fold. His story and how to approach life will stay with me and inspire me to be true to me. Diolch Nigel

[@desmondallan8380]

Ash Nigel, I wish you could ref this game on Saturday and you would have because you are still the best in the world. My little brother is gay, everyone knows, so I'm not outing him. My beautiful partner Shannon killed herself a year and a half ago. Perhaps if she had watched this she would still be here. She loved Faf Dr Klerk because she loved the idea of the little guy sticking it to the man. I don't cry everyday anymore, but I cried watching your speech. I'm glad you made it kid. You are a great inspiration to us all.

[@jeffrichards66]

The last 5-6 minutes, in a fantastically moving speech from start to finish, are especially powerful, evocative and so very very moving. A tremendous man and his story. In Welsh: Diolch yn fawr iawn Nigel Owens. (Thank you very much Nigel Owens)

[@fxt363]

What a champion human being! Witty, compassionate, just wonderful. Nigel you are an inspiration.

[@macrovigilance]

Speeches don't get much more inspirational, meaningful and profound than this. Nigel Owens, I tip my hat to you Sir!

[@Bruce-1956]

What an amazing story, the challange of being who you are. All respect to Nigel who has given so much pleasure to millions of rugby fans.

[@gwythal.doire.4361]

What an incredibly "Inspirational" speech, totally unscripted & delivered so honestly by a man who has been through so much in life. Not only is he the World's best Rugby Union referee, but the World's best Ambassador for, the game, Sport in general & more importantly, how we all should live our lives...with RESPECT, for ourselves & all who rightfully deserve it.!! A talk delivered in that inimitable Nigle Owens manner, as we regularly witness in every game he officiates,...with clarity, fairness, interspersed with little gems of humour, but most of all with "RESPECT".!!! Thank you Nigle & looking forward to seeing you throughout the RWC19 JAPAN. DIOLCH.!!!

[@bethlightfoot4334]

What a great lecture by an amazing man, you can see why he is respected by anyone who loves rugby union.

[@richardbarkus4494]

The most moving and positive speech I have ever heard regarding life.

[@ashashroff1700]

We straight men and women still love you and respect you. We all admire your heart not just as The Greatest Ref, but a larger than life Gent. You deserve a KBE Sir.

[@cynic252]

still?

[@Leifr952]

Why wouldn't you respect him? Because he's gay? Weird thing to say.

[@johnroberts9845]

My god, when he is describing when he was being bullied, I can related to everything he said. Spooky. An inspirational Man . His life story is unbelievable. I have nothing but the most respect for him.

[@danielthomas3333]

John Roberts: Bullying had the opposite effect on me. I usually retaliated violently. I must have had a mean punch because all it took was one punch and bullies being bullies became discouraged very quickly. I should add I was quite small and seemed to be an easy victim.

[@COYBIG1967]

I hope it helped listening to him , I hope you have managed to get over the pain bullies caused you. We are all one,i honestly toy believe that, I’m no angel and not trying to be holier than thou so to speak but I just can’t understand how anyone can hate someone else because of skin colour , religion, nationality or sexuality, I just can’t understand it.

[@COYBIG1967]

@@danielthomas3333 I’m glad you stood up to it, not everyone is capable of striking out even if they have been bullied badly and no one would blame them for it, I personally am never sure if the best answer to being bullied and violence is to be violent but I totally understand why it happens: Sorry for the long message , just wanted to say well done and I hope your well

[@ianmcmaster274]

Every time I think I have heard all there is from this great human being, he surprises me. What a wonderfully powerful and yet humble speaker and speech.

[@brianhurkett5128]

What a courageous man I have nothing but respect for him,Interesting man great speech

[@dougdrinkwater1119]

As a kiwi a have always thought Nigel Owen is not only one of the best refs ever, but an amazing person and personality . What a beautiful person he is!

[@jonathan14808]

Great admiration, appreciation and respect for Nigel Owens who has done so much for the game we love!

[@kimdeards7899]

what an absolute star this man is to come out the other side of his turmoil hats off mr owen the greatest respect to you

[@mikethomas9551]

An heroic, amazing and inspirational man. Humble and yet very powerful. I can never see him referee without being reminded of when he said "I'm straighter than that" after a lineout almost went to the scrum half. His comments on the rugby field are so funny and the confidence he has when dealing with areas of conflict during the game are a testament to everything he describes in this talk.

[@ndawgnelly]

What a wonderful human being, Your character shines through in all you say and do.

[@martinmason5008]

Looking forward to much more from this fabulous man. Grateful for his biggest failure and his mother's words to him afterwards. What an invigorating talk. For those who haven't downloaded his refereeing compilations, miked-up, download those immediately. Football take note. Bravo Nigel.

[@ryanjacob1054]

I love this man... ive been playing rugby my whole life... And this man is my rugby hero over any player.

[@Dickie2702]

What an amazing and inspirational man. Oh and the best referee I've seen in 50 years of watching the game. I'm sure he will continue to be a great asset to humanity.

[@frongarth85]

Absolutely brilliant, sincere and from the heart without a single note. A lesson for everyone of us. Da iawn Nigel, dal ymlaen.

[@russellhazeldine3408]

What a totally honest mesmerising speech. Respect to you sir.

[@jc238]

Brutally honest and emotional from Nigel. I hope young people in a similar situation get to see this video. Well done Nigel.

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

Simple fact : Nigel Owens operated in a league entirely of his own making - simply magnificent and totally unique, original and very VERY sharp off the cuff. What an extreme joie when he officiated > a ‘different dimension’, most certainly. He set a benchmark which will foréver stand out as magnificent, one of a kind. ‘The Spirit of the Game’ he kindled invigoratingly - leading to an inspirational Park presence, ALWAYS! . He should be recognized much more world wide - somehow... Thank you kindly N.O. Endless respect bestowed. 👊 🔥

[@mrgarrytoo]

Having had the utmost respect for Nigel for many many years I find, having watched this video that he is a man of unbelievable resolve and fortitude , respect

[@shakes6551]

teary listening to this great chat from this great guy, such a shame he was over come with so much fear that tried its best to have such a hold on him.

[@Msrosy145]

Nigel for PM 👍🏽💞👍🏽 what a wonderful man. I wish he’d talked to me when I had as a kid. Thank you Nigel. 💖

[@aidanomorgadh1]

Legend, by far the best referee in rugby union but also so much more than that... a great man.

[@errcoche]

You can see why the big fellas listen to him on the field. He just comes across as so thoroughly decent and grounded. He doesn't half have a story to tell too.

[@Elle-cs7yv]

What an inspiration. A great orator and wonderful man. I hung on every word and learned so much about me as well as him

[@vidordaylat1571]

only 421 likes? Some mistake surely? Gotta respect Nigel; one of the best ambassadors of rugby and individuality of our time

[@Oscarspoem]

Very moving throughout. Should be really proud of himself.

[@nevillecoleske6368]

A true gentleman, and definitely my favourite referee!!!

[@talullahlabelle]

40 minutes well spent listening to this!! Thank you Nigel!

[@IrishMusicCountry]

Brilliant, Pure Honesty, Well Done Nigel.

[@stuartdavis174]

As an old past it rugby player .nigel owen the man the legend you just cant but like .love the guy .fantastic ref .been though so much when you were young ..thank you nigel such an amazing guy

[@jonathandavies6839]

Well Done Nigel ....From your Fans in Costa Rica !!!!!!

[@ecallk5544]

Stunning man, such courage and wisdom, inspiring so many and not a woke soul on this planet that does not have the utmost respect for him!

[@romelnegut2005]

Such a beautiful and heart felt speech from one of the greatest, if not the greatest Rugby Union referee ever. Thank you Mr. Nigel Owens for sharing this with everyone!

[@richardcourt6348]

Nigel is such a great role model for all of us. Thank you for sharing your life journey.

[@davidthomas450]

Top man and listening to your story brings back a sad episode in my life but gave me great joy knowing like your father and mother we can hold our head up high and know that we gave our son all the love and support we could. Sadly it was not enough .

[@bubbauanif]

I have so much love and respect for Nigel ❤️ he is such an inspiration to all walks of life, not just people in the sport or the LGBT+ community. He is just an amazing person all round ❤️

[@mikebadke415]

A great referee and a great man, you are an inspiration Nigel...

[@TheBarnem13]

Blimey what a great speech! Who's going to play him in the film of his life? Tom Hanks I suppose he's played everyone else!

[@philipwilson46]

Nigel Owens: an ordinary man who has lived an extraordinary life.

[@SistorCarrera]

this is a wonderful man,all my English freunds agree that if he refereed England there happy.....in Nigel we trust

[@recruitmentwebsites]

100%

[@edwardkent]

Freunds.......are you a Nazi gay by any chance....................

[@Fcutdlady]

Nigel Owen, you are so brilliant and very honest too. I love this speech . I'm irish, too.

[@dirkcampling4642]

Absolutely brilliant Nigel 😀 and very true what you say well done 👍

[@krumble104]

As a man (52) who, as a boy, attended Penglais School in Aberystwyth, I can safely say; I love Mr Owens. He’s a great man who doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@jamiehawley2374]

As someone said in the comments section here as a straight male I can't help saying that with my upbringing I was well yes shocked to hear this BUT as Nigel spoke the admiration and liking for this human being has been compounded greatly. The values he professes to have and lives are truly what we need more of in this society. I've played ice hockey, watched soccer and other sports and never witnessed the respect these referees garner as well as the respect they show the players. There are so many important points here for our society today, so many, especially the whole idea of respect and knowing, accepting and loving who you are. It is an absolutely treat to watch this guy referee, wow a great man deserving of the respect he is given as an ambassador, for as he says "the greatest sport in the world". More of human being than I could have ever imagined and he is at times hilarious on the field. This was well worth watching and sharing.

[@Finderskeepers.]

The rules of the game is a starting point and a simple one. Soccer could learn a lot from that

[@Leifr952]

@@Finderskeepers. What's soccer got to do with it? This video is supposed to be a celebration of rugby and a fine referee, so why bring up soccer?!

[@Finderskeepers.]

@@Leifr952 The difference in the rules. Only the captain can question the ref in rugby and it has to be done in a respectful way. That difference in attitude and mannerisms doesnt just stay on the pitch, it filters through society. Hence rugby referees garner respect and even stardom, points raised in the comment.

[@Leifr952]

@@Finderskeepers. Yes, rugby referees are respected and it's wonderful, so why take a swipe at soccer? Can't we just enjoy rugby without comparing it with other sports all the time? I don't understand what this is supposed to achieve because it actually puts a lot of people off rugby. Soccer, despite its faults, is clearly doing something right to be loved and played across the globe, so we need to get over this strange obsesession with criticising it at every opportunity.

[@Finderskeepers.]

@@Leifr952 I hope it achieves a change in the rules of soccer , a competing sport, and the manner in which players are allowed abuse the referee, not a good example for kids. Society as a whole could benefit particularly on the points made in the comment.

[@harrymelad942]

Wow. Great referee and great bloke. A very moving and inspirational speech for all. I was particularly impressed by his comments on equality of opportunity and not forcing an outcome for political purposes, i.e. being treated the same but not better or worse because of creed, colour, religion or sexual orientation and being deserving of something because you are the best person for the job and not a political pawn. Very wise words indeed. By the way, I only learned he was gay when watching a youtube clip of him refereeing and saying after a ball was thrown in at a line-out something along the lines of, "I am straighter than that!" Absolute legend.

[@colinwallace2085]

Wow, that was captivating. Such honesty and you can see how Mr Owens is so loved and respected.

[@MrJarl66]

This is what a majestic man is. Plain and simple. I thought he was just a great rugby referee, but it turns out he's probably one of the best men in the 21st century. Like someone said here....massive respect! PS. Can you teach the FA officials to do the same???

[@brianbrennan5112]

I applaud and respect you Nigel.Well done, super ref and I think you are a natural comedian also..

[@justinglenn69]

I love the humor that Nigel uses on the field. In my opinion Nigel is 1 of the best referee.

[@stevemurnan1702]

One of the greats. It shouldn't be Nigel Owens MBE but Sir Nigel Owens.

[@simongilliat2205]

Nigel, you are a fantastic man, and a bloody great ref. Much respect.

[@dumbachari]

I am going to have a poster of Nigel, framed in my office. What an inspiration this guy is. So glad I watched the whole thing

[@grieco001]

RESPECT. What a great and inspiring man and lecture!

[@rocky3268]

Wave of Emotions there, Nigel Owens is a Top fella 👌🏼 and Damn Right about what Society lacks today is Fkn RESPECT, iechyd da Nige 👏🏻 👌🏼 💯🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿✌🏻

[@royjennison3916]

what a legend , total respect to this man

[@thomasedmundrichards]

Nigel is a total legend. What an amazing life story. I wish him the very best

[@vladimir1341]

Creativity comes into ones life when you realise who you truly are, and not who you think you are.

[@Msrosy145]

vladimir1341 or what ppl want you to be. 👍🏽

[@BDM4972]

Absolutely Tremendous. What an Inspiration this man is. 👍

[@steves7013]

I have always been a fan of Nigel and this talk has underlined everything I thought. An inspiring insight into what has made him great!😁❤

[@robbycad]

Nigel Owens has been one of the very best refs over the last decades. Best human being since he was born. Miss you from Ireland Nigel!

[@COYBIG1967]

I know in this day and age,the topic of homosexuality is so much more advanced and better than it ever has been but sadly even today it can be quite harrowing thing with the way some ppl speak of and assault mentally ,verbally and physically at times anyone who is gay but sadly the sports world is probably one of the areas that is moving a lot slower than it should have as of 2021 so in so many ways Nigel being so honest is inspiring and brave , the way he speaks about being suicidal , having eating problems and feeling like he’s weird or strange is very brave and special . He’s also very good at relaxing ppl so they will feel better and talking to them to help them. Nigel you will never see this but you are a very special man. Thank you For all you do in these times as well as also being a wonderful rugby ref(arguable the best everI can’t say enough about how much he inspires me.

[@rajnishbabajee4628]

Nigel Owens is Epic. Respect to the man. RB, Mauritius.

[@colindixon6218]

A wonderful speech which should be used in schools. An inspiration to all. Thankyou Mr owens.

[@stun9771]

Never knew he was gay until I watched this....did it make any difference to my view of the man...not a bit...being the best at what you do is not about sexual orientation, nor should it be....respect....

[@romelnegut2005]

Exactly!

[@stevenlomas8812]

So proud to be welsh! Thank you Nigel!

[@joehenson1845]

I'm in awe. the most amazing talk

[@dizzwizz3012]

The man is a gentleman, a sportsman and a hugely loved and respected individual in a profession in sport which is never truly appreciated (always making the wrong call as far as one team of supporters are concerned). For someone who claims to have had a very limited education he speaks with clarity, passion and when needed, absolute authority so I'm pretty certain his family are proud of him for that alone. The man is a legend and his private life should never have got in the way that. Well done for your honestly sir.

[@bazbarrett1616]

Wow that was heavy ,total respect to a true man and so honest

[@mikewilliams4438]

What an ambassador to the sport of rugby, the gay community and of course, Wales. Nice one Nige

[@nneichan9353]

One of my favorite Welshmen. The other is Shane Williams.

[@clivebaker615]

Great ref and a great human being.

[@jonwall2114]

Top bloke, top ref, I tip my cap to you Sir....

[@martyconrad8352]

What courage, class and dignity.

[@StaceyKittyMay]

He was a guest speaker in our Admiral yearly shareholder meeting that I can never remember but I will always remember this speech x

[@gimme1smile]

This is pure brilliance, thank you Nigel! respect and let us be the best we can be 💚

[@alistairking7096]

Wow, what a great speech from a great man. No wonder you don't want to change the way you were brought up because it has made you the man you are. Pride, passion, humour, bravery this has it all. You certainly didn't f*#k this up. Utmost respect to you. Such a shame you are not doing the Six Nations anymore. I would have liked you to sent off an English player or two :-)

[@williamperezrussell1903]

Excelent Nigel great speech very inspirational , loved watching you referre. We are going to miss you

[@gregoryconnor9333]

How many times ,I wonder did he make that speech to himself over the preceding years I wonder. Surely was inspirational.

[@ImmersiveSportsScience]

Great talk from a legend.

[@mikesummers-smith4091]

Around 1980, a very wise man told me that any fool can follow the attack, or even the defence; but if you really want to understand a game of rugby - watch just the referee. 'Nuff said. I've seen none better. As for this talk, I have no words.