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Nigel Owens

Nigel Owens

A portrait of Wales' best loved referee

With the 2010 Six Nations Championship around the corner, S4C viewers will be given a unique opportunity to get to know one of the sport's best-known faces, the highly respected referee, Nigel Owens, in a new documentary programme.

Huw Llewelyn Davies will get to know the man behind the whistle through a series of interviews, while we'll also follow the referee as he goes about his daily work - from training to maintaining his fitness levels.

Highlight

Nigel will be centre stage during the Six Nations opening weekend as he officiates Scotland's tie against France. He's also preparing for one of the biggest highlights of his career, the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

In the documentary, Nigel will speak about the influence of his home village - Mynyddcerrig - where his interest in rugby was first sparked.

Nigel has also made a name for himself as a comedian, and has appeared on entertainment shows Jonathan and Noson Lawen, among others. We'll hear about his remarkable journey to reach the top of the refereeing profession, and his brave decision to talk candidly about his personal life, a move which has inspired others.

Revealing portrait

"It was difficult coming to terms with and accepting that I was gay - I wasn't happy at all in my personal life and I knew I had to do something about it. As a result, my work on the rugby field was being seriously affected. The only option I had was to face it and be open with everyone and make the biggest decision of my life.

"There was a lot of pressure on me coming out, but overall the response has been positive. I get asked for advice from people. It's important for me to be able to help others in any way I can," he explains.

© 2010 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales