**Nigel Owens Returns to the Rugby Field After Four-Year Hiatus**
In a development certain to excite rugby fans across Wales and beyond, celebrated referee Nigel Owens is set to step back onto the pitch for the first time in four years. Owens, who is held in high regard within the rugby community and has built a reputation as one of the sport’s premier officials, has confirmed he will referee a match marking a significant anniversary for Lampeter Town RFC.
Owens made the announcement on social media, stating, “BREAKING NEWS: I’m back. After 4 years I am picking up the whistle again tomorrow for a special 150 years anniversary celebrating Lampeter RFC in their match versus London Welsh. Hope the legs will last the 80 mins.” His words have already generated plenty of anticipation and well-wishes from the rugby fraternity, not least because of his immense stature in the game.
This special fixture, set for Saturday afternoon, sees Lampeter Town RFC play host to London Welsh in a match commemorating the club’s 150th anniversary. The timing could not be better for Lampeter Town, who recently clinched promotion to League One after a successful season in Admiral National League Two West. Owens’ involvement adds significant prestige to the celebration and underlines his lasting connection to Welsh rugby at all levels.
The 53-year-old last officiated at the highest level in November 2020, when he refereed the Autumn Nations Cup clash between France and Italy. That match also marked Owens’ 100th appearance as an international Test referee—a milestone few have reached and a testament to his longevity and quality. His career highlights include officiating the 2015 Rugby World Cup final as well as several high-profile European club finals.
Since stepping away from active refereeing, Owens has stayed very much involved in the game. He has taken up positions as a World Rugby expert and mentor for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), helping to guide the next generation of match officials. Briefly, he was also involved with Warren Gatland’s coaching staff during last year’s autumn internationals, although he did not remain in the role following the campaign.
Owens, a prominent figure both on and off the field, has found new purpose in his post-refereeing life on his farm in west Wales, where he lives with his husband, Barrie. The transition has not been without its challenges, as he candidly shared in his WalesOnline column, reflecting on the significance of having something new to focus on after a career that stretched more than three decades.
He wrote, “Retiring from something is always a big adjustment but what was helping me deal with all of it coming to an end after 35 years of refereeing was knowing that I had another interest to pursue in my retirement—and that was farming.” Owens has spoken openly about the mental health challenges faced by sports professionals post-retirement, acknowledging that without a clear direction, the transition can be difficult.
Beyond his contributions to rugby and his new agricultural venture, Owens remains a recognisable media figure. He co-presents the popular S4C programme “Jonathan” alongside Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies and Sarra Elgan, further demonstrating his versatility and enduring appeal.
Owens has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and inclusivity within sport. In 2007, he became one of the first high-profile referees to publicly come out as gay, sharing his story to help others facing similar struggles. Since then, he has used his platform to support those experiencing prejudice or battling mental health difficulties, further cementing his status as a role model both in and out of sport.
Rugby fans will be keenly watching this weekend as Owens returns to the role in which he built his legend, presiding over a historic fixture in Welsh rugby. The match kicks off at 2pm, and all eyes will be on whether Owens’ famed presence and quick wit remain undiminished by his years away from the international spotlight.
As the Welsh rugby community comes together to celebrate 150 years of Lampeter Town RFC, the presence of one of the game’s most respected figures only adds to the sense of occasion. Owens’ return, even for just one match, is a fitting salute to both the club’s proud history and his enduring contributions to the sport.