Rugby union’s top referee Nigel Owens grabbed headlines last month when he issued a yellow card to a ball boy during Leinster’s Pro 12 defeat of the Scarlets in Dublin.
It was moment of levity in a game that was long over as a contest and had those in attendance in stitches. The incident came in the final minutes of the 38-9 home victory when the ball-boy threw the ball back onto the field of play, accidentally striking Owens in the back as the referee walked away.
Rather than react negatively, the widely respected referee feigned seriousness and comically brandished a yellow card to the teenager and ensured that Owens’ vast highlight reel of rugby moments just got another addition.
Take a look.
Video Credit: PRO12 Rugby
Following the game the Welshman reached out on social media to promise the ball-boy his match jersey, thus showing fans why he is one of the most respected and liked official in the game.
This is why rugby is the greatest team sport in the world. Anyone know the ballboy? Will send him my match Jersey to keep. #goodsport https://t.co/2Hk2zjXIcI
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) March 4, 2017
Now, after a month of waiting and true to his word, the 45-year-old has confirmed that the promise has finally been kept.
The postman took his time but as promised the jersey has arrived with the Ball Boy Joe safe and sound. https://t.co/vJ6fpfaUUL . pic.twitter.com/dy8rTCCMMk
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) April 6, 2017
Commending the ball-boy’s ‘great pass’, Owens gets a final laugh as he pokes fun at the incident and proves yet again that he is one of the good guys of the game.
Gary Brennan, Pundit Arena
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