Owens ready for anything after bullying, bulimia and ‘Bloodgate’
The Times' David Hands talks to referee Nigel Owens ahead of another busy run of high-profile games for arguably the world's most-respected official.
"There is some distance between Twickenham and Bancyddraenen Mountain to the east of Carmarthen. There is, quite literally in this case, a lifetime between refereeing an international sporting occasion tomorrow in front of more than 75,000 people and a man driven by the depths of depression to attempt to take his own life.
"It is an indication of the regard in which Nigel Owens is held that not only will he handle England’s game against Argentina this weekend but he has also been awarded the plum fixture of this month. He will referee the match at Croke Park on November 28 between Ireland and South Africa that not only brings together the holders of the grand slam and the world champions but is also redolent of the outstanding three-match series last summer between the Springboks and the Lions, who were so heavily influenced by Ireland players."
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