London - Rugby fans will be listening closely on Saturday when Nigel Owens takes charge of the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham.
The 44-year-old match official has a reputation for delivering hilarious one-liners during matches and this only compliments his reputation as the best referee in the world.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup has been no exception and during at pool match between Scotland and South Africa, the Welshman's comments to Stuart Hogg for diving attracted nearly as much attention as the Springboks' 34-16 win at St James' Park.
“Try it again and come back in two weeks to play,” Owens said to a red-faced Hogg.
The referee's caricature adorns the front of a 2016 rugby calendar, and there is a mug on the market with the words “This is not football” printed on the side.
But while his words may be memorable, his actions are all about letting the game flow: “A good ref can't make a bad game good but a bad referee can make a good game bad.” And he always gives credit where it is due.
In a match between Bath and Stade Francais, number eight Sergio Parisse kicked a touch finder that a flyhalf would have been proud of. Soon afterwards the French side won a penalty, and as Parisse gestured towards the posts, Owens asked: “Do you want to kick it, after that kick?”
Owens is openly gay and has been praised for his brave decision to come out; he is also a patron for the anti-bullying charity BulliesOut. It has not, however, reduced his knack for being self-deprecating. In one match, after a particularly wonky Harlequins lineout, he chided the hooker: “I'm straighter than that one.”
Owens was invited to Buckingham Palace earlier this month, along with players from various countries, and announced on Twitter: His humour and even-handedness garner respect from players and warmth from rugby-watchers.
In a match between South Africa and New Zealand, Owens was caught in a Schalk Burger-Jimmy Cowans sandwich. The players rushed to his aid but their concern was allayed when Owens rose gingerly to his feet, signalled he was OK, and mock-scolded: “Try not to pass to me next time.”
He is not afraid to lay down the law where required, albeit in his inimitable way. When a match between Scarlets and Leinster threatened to degenerate into scuffles, Owens gathered all 30 players round him and warned: “You're adults, you'll be treated like it as long as you act like it.”
In the 2014 Six Nations, Owens beckoned England's Tom Wood and France's Louis Picamoles and told them: “This doesn't look good, it's not good. Now carry on.”
He knows precisely when to use stern warning or a few choice words; when giant Harlequins lock Bradley Davies and George Robson of Wasps got to grips, Owens' response was: “If you want a cwtch (cuddle) do it after the match.”
The final word comes from an interview he gave in 2014, reminding us that the World Cup final is in safe hands. “I'm not like some refs who could quote you the number of the law, with or without the brackets,” he said.
“Of course I know them. But knowing the laws too well and technically applying those laws, well you'll never have a game of rugby. You've got to have a bit of empathy as well.” - ANA