For those of you who didn't fancy a Saturday night in, you would have missed Nigel Owens moving appearance on the Ray D'Arcy Show. The Welsh referee talked about all things rugby from his pre-match routine involving some lucky boxers, how he treats serial penalty offenders, and the famous/infamous 'This is not soccer' comments.
But the real meat of the interview came in the second half when Owens opened up about his own troubles. It was a powerful message to young people who are struggling with their mental health and who they are. Owens spoke about his issues with bullemia, steroid abuse, how he went to the doctor to get chemically castrated, and his suicide attempt - as he struggled to deal with the fact that he was 'different'.
Owens message is simple - accept you who are. The referee credits rugby and its message of respect as a huge reason for why he is able to be happy and who he is right now.
Mobile users can view the interview here
@RTEOne I always knew #nigelowens was a great character but I didnt realise he was an outstanding one #raydarcyshow @RadioRayRTE
— Susan McGrath (@snoozinmcg) May 8, 2016
Brilliant interview. Class referee and a very classy man, is @Nigelrefowens #RayDarcyShow
— Philip Nolan (@philipnolan1) May 7, 2016
How incredible for Nigel Owens' parents to go from that hospital bed to seeing him in the RWC Final. #raydarcyshow
— Eamon Lowe (@EamonLowe) May 7, 2016
Wow,what an open honest and inspiring man you are @Nigelrefowens #raydarcyshow
— Sinéad Cullen (@SinCully) May 7, 2016
