Owens wins praise for Zebo action
NIGEL Owens has received praise from the very top of the game for his actions in a Heineken Champions Cup match at the weekend.
World Rugby’s chief executive Brett Gosper has described the Gwendraeth Valley referee’s dressing down of Simon Zebo as a “thoughtful and well managed intervention” after the Ireland wing mocked an opponent in the process of scoring a try for Racing 92.
As he headed for the line, the former Munster man pointed at Ulster full-back Michael Lowry in a mocking gesture that left Welsh ref Owens unimpressed.
“I don’t think you need to do that so I suggest you apologise to him for that, please. Apologise,” Owens said.
Zebo accepted his ticking off and duly apologised to his opponent, placing an arm around him and shaking his hand.
Gosper has taken to social media to heap praise on both Owens and Zebo for the way they handled the situation.
“Thoughtful and well managed intervention by Nigel Owens in Racing 92 home game,” tweeted the World Rugby supremo.
“Kudos also to Simon Zebo for the positive way he accepted and acted on the advice.”
The Irishman has also gone on to social media to say how disappointed he was with himself.
“Really sorry to Michael Lowry,” Zebo tweeted out. “Got too excited and I don’t do stuff like that as long as I’ve played.
“I wouldn’t like my kids doing that and I’m disappointed in myself.
“Made a mistake, not in the spirit of the game.
“Sorry again.”