Nigel Owens, international rugby’s first openly gay referee, says the players have shown him tremendous respect on the field.
The 45-year-old Welshman will blow the whistle in the final Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday, a year after officiating in the World Cup final at Twickenham in London between the same two sides.
Owens, one of the game’s most acclaimed referees, came out in 2007, after years of agonising over the decision.
“Society, rugby and all of the sports have a way to go,” Owens told New Zealand media.
“But I could not be who I am today if it wasn’t for rugby and the people within rugby.
“There will be a minority, maybe one or two players, one or two supporters, one or two fellow officials, who don’t like the fact that I’m gay.
“In rugby, they are a very small minority.”
Owens opened up about his suicide attempt in a documentary released before the World Cup final last year.
He was 26 and struggling to come to terms with his sexuality when he climbed a hill near his home and over-dosed on painkillers.
“It was a dark place I was in, what I put my mum and dad through when I left that (suicide) note – I’ll never forgive myself for doing that,” he said.
He said he was overwhelmed by the response of players after the World Cup final, which the All Blacks won 34-17.
Wallabies back rower David Pocock and All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino paid special tribute.
“David Pocock came up and shook my hand and said, ‘Nigel, thanks for the great game’,” Owens said.
“You know a guy, who just lost out on winning a World Cup medal, finds time to come up and tell you that.
“Just after that, Jerome Kaino came up and shook my hand and this guy had just won the World Cup.
“He said, ‘Nigel, thanks very much. I watched your programme last night and I thought it was brilliant. I think you’re a credit to the sport and you can be very proud of yourself’.
“This guy has just come up and shook my hand, he should be running around the field with his team mates and celebrating winning a World Cup.”
Atlas
Roar Rookie
I'm guessing he'll be less likely to praise fans' attitudes this week if he were to read this forum
Rt
Guest
You're not quite sure are you? You just didn't commit. Better luck next time.
Jacko
Guest
I enjoy hearing a bit more from the refs. It puts a personality in the picture rather than just the whistle blower. This guy seems to have earnt the players respect
Jacko
Guest
I have noticed in the past that when a program is made about a person it is often "all about that person"
The Sheriff
Guest
Nigel is a very good referee. That's all that counts. Let's hope he does the right thing by the Wallabies tomorrow.( Just kidding!)
ScottD
Guest
Actually I think he is a pretty good referee.
Linphoma
Guest
Rugby has always leaned towards gay inclusiveness. Hasn't every team got a backline? Seriously, you put on the same jersey as I'm wearing and you are my brother. End of story. Whatever your sexual orientation.
Redsfan1
Guest
I'm tired of the million articles about Owens' sexuality. Or his "epic" reprimands of players. I have observed that he misses alot on the rugby field and needs constant intervention from assistant referees and TMO. Painful and pedantic- he usually adds 20 minutes to a game of just him lecturing or agonising over a decision.
etienne marais
Guest
"I do ask myself time and again why Nigel Owens is all about Nigel Owens." And what answer do you come up with, time and again ? (Maybe that your question is just not accurate?)
Rt
Guest
I honestly do not care about anyone's sexual orientation. I do ask myself time and again why Nigel Owens is all about Nigel Owens. Oh and his refereeing of the RWC , particularly the 1st half, was terrible.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
This is an important topic. Growing up in Argentina, rugby was very homophobic. Very. Attitudes changed while I lived in the US and I observed a lot of rugby where homophobia has become much less prevalent. Interestingly, it is women;s rugby that has made greater strides in accepting homosexuality. But even men's rugby has opened up. I am glad for that. Still, many of my old team mates continue with an old fashioned attitude and are even quite openly distasteful. I presume it is lack of understanding plus rigid religious dogma. We are all part of this global society. I hope we open our eyes and hearts and become more tolerant. Owens' attitude is terrific, even if sometimes I think he referees a bit for the cameras.