article_snippet: The Welsh referee, considered among the finest in world rugby, was amusing in Owens response to being flattened by Jimmy Cowan a few years ago.
article_snippet: Rugby players generally tend to respect referees rather more than Rugby players footballing counterparts but Owens, 43, commands more respect than most.
article_snippet: Owens commands more respect than many referees when taking charge of top level rugby .
article_snippet: International referee Nigel Owens jokes around with wrestler Barri Griffiths on a Welsh TV show .
article_snippet: It’s like refereeing a game of rugby,’ Owens told me.
article_snippet: Getting the key decisions right is how a referee is ultimately judged but players seem to like Owens’ style.
article_snippet: Rugby is his first love, but Owens follows football too and his takes an interest in some of the issues currently concerning referees in the round-ball game.
article_snippet: The Welsh referee, who took charge of England vs France last weekend, has done stand-up since he was 14 .