Nigel Owens
What a great honour for Wales to be providing the referee for the final of the Rugby World Cup. Nigel Owens deserves the congratulations of his country and though I don't watch a lot of rugby, when I have seen him officiate he stands out as having an excellent rapporte with the players - yet he leaves no doubt he is in charge.

For a country with a small population we have produced some great world class referees. Clive Norling and Derek Bevan, both fairly local men and of my own era, spring to mind.

It's not just the teams that can produce a good game. A referee can make a huge difference too and Nigel will, I am sure, see to it that the final is free flowing, with hopefully a classic game for us all. It's fitting given their history in this competition that it's New Zealand and Australia going head to head. I can't pick a winner but I'm pretty sure it will be one of them!
Posted by Stan on 26 October 2015