Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that Nigel Owens, one of the most respected officials in World Rugby, will be returning to the Blues Marquee this summer for a Sportsman’s Dinner.

Nigel last visited the Blues just three days before the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, and so enthralling was his after-dinner speech, that he received a five minute standing ovation from those in attendance.

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.

Speaking about the dinner, organiser Ted Carroll, said: “Ever since Nigel came to the Blues Marquee in 2015 I'm always asked when he's going to come back again, so I'm delighted that he'll be with us on Saturday 21st July. Nigel is a world-class referee, a highly respected individual and one of the best after dinner speakers around. We already know that this will be a fascinating evening filled with hilarious stories and I suspect tickets will sell out very quickly.”

Tickets for the Sportsman’s Dinner, which will be overseen by Sam Roberts and includes a four course meal, cost £55 per person. For more information or to book your tickets, please email ted@bedfordrugby.co.uk or debra@bedfordrugby.co.uk.