Overview
It’s rare for a referee in any sport to be popular, yet Nigel Owens has always courted strong affection throughout the world – he is loved by players, coaches, officials, TV commentators and even fans. A real character, some of his famous put-downs whilst lecturing players – such as ‘This is not soccer’, have gone viral on social media. The best rugby referee of his generation, Nigel also has an incredible backstory to tell. After coming through dark times, during which he tried to take his own life, he was the first leading figure in the macho world of rugby union to come out openly as gay and went on to command respect everywhere for his honesty off the pitch and ability as a referee on it. This is an inspirational story of triumph over adversity, hope over despair. It all makes for a truly compelling read. The hardback version of this autobiography is a bestseller, widely seen as the rugby book of the year when it came out in 2022.
Full Product Details
Author: Nigel Owens ,
Paul Abbandonato
Publisher: Y Lolfa
Imprint: Y Lolfa
Edition: 3rd edition
Dimensions:
Width: 14.00cm
, Height: 2.20cm
, Length: 21.50cm
ISBN: 9781912631636
ISBN 10: 1912631636
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 31 October 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
""A truly unique sporting figure, a rugby referee who charmed the players, was loved by supporters right throughout the world, and whose off-the-filed story provides inspiration to so many."" - Dan Carter ""This book is so quietly uplifting, so far removed from the usual celebrity-memoir-vacuousness, and that's why it'll be in many a Christmas stocking, one predicts."" - Jon Gower, nation.cymru ""There are some fabulous tales in there."" - Western Mail ""Fair to say it is a particularly eagerly awaited piece of work as Owens' story is simply like no other. The fact that Dan Carter, the New Zeland legend with almost 1,600 Test points to his name, so willingly agreed to write the foreword to the autobiography says everything about the esteem in which Nigel has always been held amongst the players, and indeed pretty much everyone in rugby."" WalesOnline ""A truly compelling read, leaving a lasting impact on its audience... 'Nigel Owens: The Final Whistle' stands as the rugby book of the year, offering a gripping and inspirational account of an extraordinary individual. Nigel Owens' unwavering honesty, infectious charm, and exceptional career make this autobiography a must-read for rugby fans and anyone seeking a story of triumph, respect, and the indomitable human spirit."" - The Deeping magazine
Author Information
Nigel Owens is an internationally respected Welsh rugby union referee, loved by fans and respected by players worldwide. When he retired in 2020, he was the world record holder for most Test matches refereed and he is one of only two Welsh referees ever to officiate at a Rugby World Cup Final. He has also presented shows on S4C, and in 2011 was appointed to Wales' prestigious Gorsedd of Bards. In 2007 he came out as gay, and is an icon in the LGBTQ community. Both the first volume of his autobiography, Half Time (Y Lolfa, 2009) and the hardback version of this book are huge bestsellers. Paul Abbandonato is an award-winning journalist and author. He spent many years as Head of Sport at WalesOnline, and was 2018 UK Regional Sports Journalist of the Year. He is the author of Barry John: The George Best of Rugby(Mainstream Publishing, 2000), Gary Speed Remembered (Andre Deutsch Ltd, 2012) and In the Dragons' Den: The scarcely believable stories from 30 years at the sharp end of Welsh football (Y Lolfa, 2025).
