Nigel Owens International referee Nigel Owens is one of the most experienced referee in Test history and will take the whistle for the 100th time during the Autumn Nations Cup. From the West Walian village of Pontyberem, Owens has been officiating since 1987 and refereed the 2015 World Cup final, as well as numerous Champions Cup finals. In his spare time, he has a successful media career and was awarded an MBE in 2016