Error message

  • Deprecated function: strpos(): Non-string needles will be interpreted as strings in the future. Use an explicit chr() call to preserve the current behavior in _google_tag_status_check() (line 321 of /home/sites/8a/e/e5797cf45b/archive/sites/all/modules/google_tag/google_tag.module).
  • Deprecated function: implode(): Passing glue string after array is deprecated. Swap the parameters in drupal_get_feeds() (line 394 of /home/sites/8a/e/e5797cf45b/archive/includes/common.inc).

SPORTSMAN'S DINNER WITH NIGEL OWENS

Posted: 
03/08/2015 - 17:59

On Wednesday 28th October, just three days before the Rugby World Cup Final, Bedford Blues are delighted to welcome Nigel Owens to a Sportsman’s Dinner being held in the Blues Marquee.

Renowned for his quick retorts to defuse even the ugliest of scenes on the field - "If you want a cwtch, do it after the match” - Owens has established himself as one of the best and most respected referees in the world.

Born and raised in a small village in South Wales he was appointed as an international referee in 2005, and that year officiated his first international between Ireland and Japan in Osaka. He was the only Welsh referee at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups and is regarded as the first openly gay man to referee at the highest level. 

When he was the victim of homophobic chanting at Twickenham last autumn, — two England fans were fined and banned for abusing Owens for being gay — he received messages of support from players from England as well as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France and Wales. And when he once asked Ronan O’Gara to sign a copy of his autobiography for his father, the then Ireland fly-half wished Geraint Owens a happy Christmas, but also added how proud he should be of his son.

Speaking about the dinner, organiser Ted Carroll, said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome Nigel to Bedford Blues for what should be a fascinating evening filled with hilarious stories and an insight into the Rugby World Cup. Nigel is a world-class referee, a highly respected individual and one of the best after dinner speakers around. It is sure to be a superb evening in the Blues Marquee.” 
 
As well as refereeing, Nigel is also one of the presenters on S4C’s 'Jonathan', a rugby-themed Welsh language chat show hosted by former Welsh international Jonathan Davies. He also co-presents the sports-themed Welsh language chat show 'Bwrw'r Bar'
 
In November 2008 he released his autobiography in Welsh called "Hanner Amser" which translated means Half Time. The English language version was launched in October 2009.

Tickets for the Sportsman’s Dinner, which will be overseen by Sam Roberts and includes a three course meal, cost just £40. For more information or to book your tickets, please email ted@bedfordrugby.co.uk

Partners

Designed by No Nonsense Technology.