Nigel Owens is in Fiji this weekend. He has been enjoying a bit of a holiday there from the look of his tweets. But the real reason for his journey is a match he will referee between Fiji and Tonga.
That match will be his 71st Test game, making Owens the most capped international referee. It’s an achievement that cannot be downplayed.
And, it seems, the Queen agrees.
Very humbled & honoured to receive an MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours List. Thanks all for your kind messages https://t.co/iS8d4YOVHe
— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) June 10, 2016
In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Nigel Owens has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to sport.
Owens is not just the world’s top referee, he is also the patron of a charity called Bullies Out and he can frequently be found speaking for equality, as well as the problems he had accepting his sexuality.
There is no doubt Nigel Owens is one 0f the people most deserving of such an honour and there will be nobody in the rugby world who will begrudge him this.
Bore da from Fiji. Lovely view to wake up too. Reminds me of Mynyddcerrig ? pic.twitter.com/In5RQ40pT0
— Nigel Owens (@Nigelrefowens) June 7, 2016
Paul Peerdeman, Pundit Arena
Read More About: Fiji, knighthood, MBE, nigel owens, referee, tonga