Who Is Nigel Owens? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Nigel Owens was born on June 18, 1971, making him 53 years old in 2025. Renowned for his exceptional skills as an international rugby union referee, Owens has gained respect both on and off the pitch. With a distinguished career that includes officiating matches at the Rugby World Cup and other prestigious tournaments, he has solidified his status as one of the sport's most notable referees. Following his retirement from refereeing, Owens has continued to contribute to the rugby community through various media engagements and advocacy initiatives.
| Occupation | Referee |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 18, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Mynyddcerrig, Carmarthenshire, Wales |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country |
Popularity
Nigel Owens's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nigel Owens stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 88 kg (194 lbs), reflecting his athletic background. His physique, shaped by years of involvement in rugby, is complemented by a well-maintained fitness regime. While his exact body measurements are not publicly disclosed, Owens is known for his robust build, suitable for his demanding role as a referee in a physically intense sport.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nigel Owens is openly gay and has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within sports. As of 2025, he has been in a committed relationship with his boyfriend for several years, though he prefers to keep the details of his personal life private. Owens often shares insights into the importance of acceptance and support within the sporting community, making him a role model for many aspiring athletes and LGBTQ+ individuals alike.
Shortly after the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Owens was named 'Gay Sports Personality of the Year' at gay rights group Stonewall's awards ceremony in London. He was a patron of the LGBTQ Centre of Excellence Wales, until its disbandment in late 2012, but he is still patron of the Wooden Spoon Society rugby charity.
In 2013 Owens became a patron of Bullies Out charity in Wales. Owens was subjected to racist and anti-gay abuse when refereeing England and New Zealand in November 2014, according to a letter in The Guardian. This was reported by a fan and resulted in the two spectators responsible being banned from Twickenham for two years.
In 2015, Owens was named 'Gay Sports Personality of the Decade' at Stonewall awards ceremony in London. He was named on the 2017 Pinc List of leading Welsh LGBT figures. In a 2019 interview with Wales Online, he admitted he once ordered a date to hide in the toilets at Pizza Hut when Wales international Dwayne Peel and his girlfriend walked in.
In Dublin, for the launch of Europe's largest LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament, Owens was speaking about his own experiences and the difficulty of coming out as gay while working in sport.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Nigel Owens has an estimated net worth of around $2 million. His earnings over the years have been derived from various sources, including his illustrious career as a referee, media appearances, and endorsements. While officiating high-profile matches brought substantial income, Owens has also explored opportunities in sports commentary and public speaking engagements, further contributing to his financial success.
Career, Business, and Investments
Nigel Owens's career as a referee began in 1990, culminating in a stellar trajectory that saw him officiate at major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup. His tenure included memorable moments such as the match between New Zealand and Australia in the 2015 World Cup final. Following retirement, Owens has embraced a media career, participating in television shows, radio interviews, and public events where he shares his experiences and insights into the rugby world.
Additionally, Owens has ventured into philanthropy, supporting various causes, particularly those focused on mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. His involvement in charity work reflects his commitment to giving back to the community and using his platform for positive change.
Nigel Owens, (born 18 June 1971) is a Welsh former international rugby union referee, who retired in December 2020 after a 23-year career.
He previously held the world record for the most test matches refereed and was one of five international referees listed as professional within the Welsh Rugby Union, alongside Craig Evans, Adam Jones, Dan Jones and Ben Whitehouse. He is widely considered to have been one of the greatest rugby referees of all time.
Social Network
Nigel Owens maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his life and career. His insights on rugby, advocacy, and personal experiences have garnered him a significant following. On Twitter and Instagram, Owens shares not only his professional milestones but also moments of personal significance, contributing to his status as a beloved figure in the rugby community.
Education
Nigel Owens's education includes formal training in the field of sports science, which has complemented his refereeing career. His understanding of the rules and nuances of rugby, along with his academic background, has enabled him to perform effectively on the field. Owens has also participated in various workshops and seminars related to sports management and officiating, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
He is a fluent Welsh speaker. He was a school technician at in Llanelli, the same school attended by Welsh international Dwayne Peel, and was a youth worker with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth. Before that he worked on a farm, for over a year, as a farmhand.
