Nigel Owens MBE, one of the world’s best known and admired rugby referees, received an honorary degree at a University of Bath graduation ceremony on Tuesday 16 July, in recognition of his outstanding rugby career and tireless work to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Speaking at the award ceremony in front of a crowd of graduating students, he said: “The last time I was in Bath refereeing I was booed not clapped so it’s very much appreciated! Thanks for this great honour here at this wonderful venue and from the wonderful University that is Bath as well.
“If it wasn’t for the great sport that rugby is, but more important than that - the people in the sport, then I wouldn’t be able to be who I am today and that’s why I owe more to rugby than rugby will ever owe to me.”
Nigel went on to urge the graduating students to seize the opportunity they now had before them, but to remember the people who had supported them along the way and not to be afraid to ask for help when needed.
He added: “Don’t try to be perfect because if you do then the perfect will become the enemy of the good. What is achievable is to become a good person. To create a good and loving caring home, to create a workplace where people can be themselves, a university where people take their authentic selves to work, to study.”
Delivering the oration at the ceremony, Professor Roland Jones said: “He was, and still is, respected by rugby fans around the globe for his authority and brilliant rugby knowledge and is universally liked by fans irrespective of club or national allegiance.
“He always refereed with a smile on his face and an obvious enjoyment of the game and was able to keep a relaxed but very firm hold on proceedings, defusing tense situations with a ready quip and a sharp sense of humour. He earned a following as an official who commanded respect from the players in the sport, but if they didn’t pay him that respect they were likely to be in for a long, hard 80 minutes!
“Nigel has a unique status within rugby, but hearing about how even legends can struggle with challenges in their lives has informed, inspired and guided many others to learn how to deal with adversity far beyond the world of rugby. He has proven himself to be an inspirational figure, in rugby undoubtedly, but also off the field, to millions who can relate to his determination, his pride and his fight with mental health issues.”
Nigel Owens is probably the best-known referee in world rugby and has enjoyed a stellar career, including refereeing the biggest match in the game – a World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham in 2015.
As a referee Nigel has made a name for himself in rugby for commanding respect from players and fans alike for his authority and rugby knowledge.
He is considered to be one of the best rugby referees of all time and his use of phrases such as “this is not soccer” have endeared him to fans around the world.
He is the only referee to officiate in a record seven European Cup finals, including 3 consecutively in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and also a took charge of a record six Pro14 finals. He was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2016. Nigel retired from international duties in 2020 having achieved an astonishing 100 appearances in charge.
Away from the rugby field he has been open about some of the challenges he has faced, including depression, disordered eating and addiction. He battled to come to terms with his sexuality before becoming the first openly-gay professional referee. He often speaks publicly about mental health issues and is an advocate for ending stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health problems.