Nigel is one of the most recognisable and iconic sports officials of recent years and a trailblazer as one of the first openly gay men in professional rugby. Nigel is an extremely popular and entertaining after-dinner speaker. His warmth and humour (he worked as a comedian in South Wales in the 80s) shine through his story, which is brimming with anecdotes about matches he has refereed and players he has met along the way:
From Gavin Henson’s first match, to on-pitch altercations with Austin Healey, Lawrence Dallaglio’s intimidation tactics, coping with live televised matches, and needing a police escort from the grounds in Auch, France, to his thoughts on the Heineken Cup quarter final between Harlequins and Leinster on 12th April 2009, which was to rock the foundations of rugby worldwide when Harlequins wing Tom Williams bit on a blood capsule and faked injury.
Nigel retired from international rugby in 2020 after becoming the first person to officiate 100 test matches. Undoubtedly, his career highlight was the 2015 World Cup Final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham, but he is also the only referee ever to be appointed for three consecutive Heineken Cup finals (2015, 2016 & 2017) as well as refereeing another three in 2008, 2009 & 2012 making it a record six European Cup finals.
Awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2016, Nigel is admired and beloved across the world, particularly known for displaying a dry sense of humour and sharp wit when dealing with players.
However, as his critically acclaimed and best-selling memoir “Half Time” recalls, Nigel’s career was almost over before it began, suffering eating disorders and a suicide attempt as he struggled to come to terms with his sexuality.
His bravery and campaigning work in equality, inclusiveness and mental health since has seen Nigel named ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Year’ and ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Decade’ by gay rights group Stonewall, awarded Honorary Doctorates at both Swansea and South Wales Universities and Honorary Fellowships at Cardiff University and Cardiff Met University.
In 2011, Nigel was made a member of the Gorsedd of Bards at its National Eisteddfod in Wrexham for his services to the Welsh language. Nigel is a popular speaker on both the after dinner circuit, recounting tales from his time as a referee, and for corporate events where he shares his knowledge and expertise from 20 years working at the pinnacle of sport. Other topics include Diversity & Inclusion and Mental Health.
Despite retiring from first-class rugby, Nigel is as busy as ever. As well as coaching the next generation of referees and being an in-demand speaker and media personality, he has realised a boyhood dream of owning his own farm, breeding Hereford cattle.
TOPICS:
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, Leadership and Inspiration, Mental Health
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