Gatland leads tributes to ‘outstanding’ Ken
WARREN Gatland has led tributes to the retiring Ken Owens, describing him as an “absolutely outstanding” player and a “great leader”.
The coach has worked with the hooker both with Wales and the British & Irish Lions, naming him as Welsh captain for the 2023 Six Nations.
Congratulating Owens on his career, Gatland said that handing him the captaincy was “a very easy decision” and added that his family and friends should be “immensely proud” of all he has achieved.
“Ken has had an incredible rugby career and been a brilliant ambassador for the game in Wales,” said Gatland.
“I’ve enjoyed being able to coach him with Wales and the Lions.
“Ken is an incredibly passionate Welshman. I know it meant a lot to him to play for Wales and you could see that every single time he wore the red jersey.
“He was also very proud to represent Carmarthen Athletic and the Scarlets.
“Throughout his career Ken has been a dedicated professional and a great leader, always helping drive standards but also very popular with his teammates.
“He has been absolutely outstanding for Wales over the years and it was a very easy decision to name him as captain for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, which turned out to be his final international campaign.
“Ken, his wife Carys, his family and friends can be immensely proud of all he has achieved,” the Wales boss added. “Diolch yn fawr iawn am bopeth Ken. All the best for the next chapter.”
Further tributes have come from Scott Quinnell, who said Owens was “one of the very best” before adding: “Great player and man. So passionate in every jersey. Congratulations, just the most amazing career.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies wished the hooker a “happy retirement,” adding: “Great career. Next chapter...”
■ FORMER All Black Simon Mannix has been appointed as Portugal’s new head coach.
Mannix, who is currently director of rugby at Biarritz, will take the reins of Os Lobos for the next four years.
The next Rugby World Cup in 2027 will be the target for Mannix and his coaching team, with Portugal taking last year’s tournament by storm with a series of impressive performances and a historic win over Fiji.
Coach Patrice Lagisquet left his role after the tournament with the Portuguese Rugby Federation taking seven months to find a replacement, with 52-year-old Mannix selected from a five-man shortlist.
The ex-fly-half, who also represented the likes of Wellington, Sale Sharks and Gloucester during his playing career, previously heald coaching roles with Racing 92 and Munster before spending five years with Pau and leading them to the Top 14 in 2015.
In 2019, he was appointed head coach of the Singapore national team before resigning two years later amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Mannix’s first challenge will come this summer as Portugal head to Africa to face Namibia and reigning world champions South Africa.
“Simon is a very experienced coach,” saidp ortuguese Rugby Federation president Carlos Amado da Silva. “I am convinced that the style of play he implemented in his previous teams is the most suitable for our national team.
“In addition, he has a strong connection with France, both with the players and with the clubs, which makes it the ideal profile we needed. I am completely confident that you will succeed with the Wolves.”