Former ref on why Owens is clear of his colleagues
Why ref Owens is miles clear of his rivals: see page 2 for the full story
SOUTH Africa’s greatest referee of all time has outlined the reasons why Nigel Owens is ‘a mile ahead’ of any other official in the world game – including England’s Wayne Barnes.
Jonathan Kaplan etched his name into the World Rugby record books when becoming the first referee to break the 50-Test milestone and was number one in the global game after officiating 70 internationals across a 17-year career.
He refereed four times at the Rugby World Cup, standing in third spot as World Rugby’s most decorated official – so his opinion counts for something.
When asked who is the best official in the world today, Kaplan told Sport24 in his native South Africa: “Nigel has been my choice probably since I have retired, I would say.
“I know that (Wayne) Barnes has done well and may have got a crack at the final had England not made it, but I vastly prefer Owens’s style and how he promotes the game.
“I think he has refereed some of the best rugby games I have seen.
“I just think he is a mile ahead.”
Owens, who hails from Mynyddcerrig, broke Kaplan’s record when he took charge of Fiji v Tonga in 2016 and stands just two short of becoming the first referee to break the 100-Test milestone.
His extended contract with the Welsh Rugby Union gives Owens the chance to achieve that feat, with Barnes No. 2 on the list on 90 Tests.
Media Wales columnist Owens took charge of the 2015 World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia.
He also refereed the 2019 semi-final between England and New Zealand, although a calf injury ruled him out of contention for the final which was won by the Springboks.