ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Nigel Owens issues stark warning about the future of rugby union

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Thursday Oct 10, 2024

One of the world’s greatest former referees, Nigel Owens, has delivered a stark warning to those who love our game, saying that we must not “diminish” the virtues that make the game what it is.

ADVERTISEMENT

Appearing to take aim at the increased physicality, and focusing on the seriousness of the modern professional game, Nigel said:

“Rugby union has always been a game for all shapes and sizes, that along with its many other wonderful virtues is why so many of us love this game. We must be very careful not to diminish that.”

Rugby was always, of course, an amateur sport, only going professional in 1997. It was such a divisive decision at the time, with many existing players and club members wholly against the idea, suggesting that it would take away from the simple and proud nature of the sport.

Much has changed in the years since, not least in the physicality and sheer size of the now-professional players, all designed to create a more enticing spectacle and to give teams that 1% advantage over their opponents.

Of course, like many of Nigel’s comments, it’s opened up a whole discussion surrounding the ways to improve the game. Here are a few ideas from fans:

Steve Li said: “Nige, let’s be honest; scrums take far too long. Referees allow long stoppages; allow waterboys on the field. It’s crazy that we having 100-minute rugby matches.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Matt McGoldrick added: “100%. But the standing around is a massive issue. There’s far too much standing about whether it’s set piece. Water. Injury (where the player continues, so not injured), TMO. Games shouldn’t take over two hours to watch.”

Bomber noted: “The game has reduced fatigue. It’s become power based. Teams being able to replace entire forward packs just about. Changes around ball in play and reduced subs are needed to bring back greater fatigue and allow players who aren’t massive to also prosper. It’s already diminished”

The Spuddy Squad added an interesting comment, saying: “It really feels like they are trying for a league/7 a side hybrid. Forgetting that all the forwards, over half a team, love a maul, ruck, scrum, lineout etc…….we don’t need the game to be sped up x 10”

Let us know your thoughts!

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)

Related Articles

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    United Rugby Championship stats leaders heading into round four

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: NFL and Rugby combine - but fans aren't convinced

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Leicester Tigers set to lose international star to the Top 14



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 HOURS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 5 HOURS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 110 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 110 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 133 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All