Nigel Owens lands job with international side for Autumn Nations Series
Nigel Owens refereed 100 international matches in his career.
Former referee Nigel Owens has taken up a new role with Wales ahead of the Autumn Nations Series that will see him in attendance with the squad on match days.
Wales confirmed the appointment as a footnote to their team announcement for the fixture with Fiji, which will take place at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.
The 53-year-old is hugely respected in the sport after an impressive career that spanned 17 years and saw him officiate in 210 Tests that included 100 as referee.
Advisory role
Owens will join up with the Wales squad on matchdays in an advisory role, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed in the announcement on Friday at lunchtime.
The appointment is not a new occurrence in Test rugby as South Africa employ former referee Jaco Peyper on their staff while Jérôme Garcès is working for France.
The value of a laws advisor and ex-ref in the coaching box!
Everyone celebrating the try, Jaco Peyper roaring at Rassie Erasmus to get message onto the pitch asking if there should be yellow card for string of penalty concessions. pic.twitter.com/8dGMJ7XTdR
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) October 2, 2024
Meanwhile, there have been appointments in the club game, too, as former French referee Romain Poite worked for a period at Top 14 and European giants Toulon.
Luring Owens into his backroom team could prove a smart piece of business from Wales head coach Warren Gatland as he looks to utilise his knowledge of the laws.
Barren streak
The Welsh are understandably desperate to break their run of nine international defeats in a row and they will hope to do so when they take on Fiji this weekend.
They did taste victory over the Reds on Australian soil in July but snapping their drought on the international stage is still very much a must for Gatland’s charges.
After facing Fiji this weekend, Wales will clash with the Wallabies (November 17) and Springboks (November 23) as they look to end the year on a positive note.
