Nigel Owens

Record-Breaking Rugby Union Referee & Gay Sports Personality of the Year

  • World record holder for most test matches refereed
  • Refereed at four Rugby World Cups
  • Publicly came out as a gay in 2007 making him the first openly gay rugby referee
  • Named on the 2017 Pinc List of leading Welsh LGBT figures
  • Stonewall’s Gay Sports Personality of the Decade
  • Patron of the LGBT Centre of Excellence Wales
  • Appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Discover Nigel Owens’s biography of published work below.

Half Time: My Autobiography
Half Time: My Autobiography
Derek and Nigel - Two Heads, One Tale
Derek and Nigel – Two Heads, One Tale

Nigel Owens is a professional rugby union referee who made history by coming out as gay in 2007. One of the most recognisable figures in the game, Nigel is the world’s first openly gay referee and has overseen some of the sport’s biggest matches. Away from the pitch, he has become an established LGBT speaker who can recall the difficulties of being gay in such a masculine sport at corporate, public and Pride events.

Nigel always struggled with his sexuality, particularly due to homosexuality being stigmatised in the world of sport. Coming to terms with who he had caused him to suffer from mental health problems and he even debated taking his own life. When booked as an LGBT speaker he often discusses these dark moments in his life, showing audiences how it is possible to overcome adversity and rebuild your mental health. Nigel is a patron of the LGBT Centre of Excellence Wales, a testament to how far he has come to pioneer support and equality for the LGBT community. In recognition of such work, he was made MBE in 2016.

Throughout his career, Nigel has taken charge of some of the biggest rugby matches in the world both nationally and on the international stage. His first Test match came in 2003 and since then he has officiated more Test matches than any other official. This includes three World Cups and arguably his biggest success to date came when he oversaw the final in 2015 between New Zealand and Australia. As one of the first-ever Welsh professional referees, Nigel’s longevity in the game is truly unique and his authoritative yet fair approach has made him incredibly well respected across the world.

When booked as an LGBT+ speaker you’re receiving a true pioneer who has received a whole host of accolades over the course of his career. This includes being named ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Year’ in 2007 and 2015 ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Decade.’ Hailed by Pinc as one of Wales’ leading LGBT figures, in his youth he suffered from bullying, bulimia and suicidal thoughts, powerful topics of his speaking engagements. A true gay icon, Nigel leaves a resounding impact on audiences at events.

In November 2023 we sat down virtually with Nigel Owens and discussed his battles with mental health issues before coming out to the world. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Nigel Owens.

Official Testimonials

Nigel Owens is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“On behalf of all the staff at Gilead, we would like to thank you for such an inspiring webinar today. The messages we have received have been overwhelming. We had just over 200 on the call (some were watching from a large screen in our meeting room). Thank you so much for your time and I wish you all the best in the future”

Donna, HR Business Partner, Gilead

“It was absolutely brilliant. Loved it! The audience asked loads of questions and the feedback has been so positive”

Jenny, Pursuit Manager, Merkle

“Just a quick note to say that Nigel was fantastic on Monday, delivered two powerful talks and was very kind & friendly – gave us more time than he needed to!”

Chris, Head of HR, IMI Truflo Marine

“Nigel Owens was a first class and most genuine gentleman. We were absolutely thrilled that he was able to join us for a call and he was sheer brilliance! The manner in which he spoke and conducted himself was first class. What a true gent. He was open, honest and truly inspirational. We would have him back again to join us. The feedback from the staff following our call was immense and everyone was thrilled. He absolutely has a wonderful brand and is so down to earth.”

Eleri, Executive PA, Principality

To enquire about Nigel Owens for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@lgbt-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0203 9816 295.