In a memorable twist during the Scarlets’ 45-9 Guinness Pro12 defeat at Leinster in March 2017, Nigel Owens, esteemed rugby referee, demonstrated that yellow cards aren’t solely confined to the players on the field.
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Owens, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest ever referees, unexpectedly brandished the iconic yellow card after being struck on the head by a rugby ball hurled by a Leinster ball boy.
Despite the surprising turn of events, any potential animosity was swiftly replaced by camaraderie as Owens graciously introduced the ball boy, named Joe, to his legion of Twitter followers on Thursday night.
This gesture not only highlighted Owens’ affable nature but also showcased the amicable relationship between the two.
A month following the comedic incident, Joe was pleasantly surprised to receive a special package in the mail – a Scarlets jersey bearing Owens’ personal touch. The jersey, adorned with a heartfelt message from the referee himself, read: “To Joe, Great Pass. Best wishes – Nigel Owens.”
Taking to social media once again, Owens shared the joyous moment, announcing, “The postman took his time but as promised the jersey has arrived with the Ball Boy Joe safe and sound.”
This heartwarming exchange between referee and ball boy serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie within the rugby community, both on and off the pitch.
10 best rugby union players in the world right now [Ranked]
RadioTimes.com presents a rundown of the most outstanding and electrifying rugby talents, spanning both hemispheres, accompanied by insights into their placements on the list.
- Handrè Pollard (South Africa)
Handrè Pollard embodies the essence of clutch performance, consistently delivering in crucial moments. His decisive kick during the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final against England propelled his team to the final, while his impeccable kicking prowess secured victory against New Zealand, securing back-to-back titles for the Springboks.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland’s dynamic wing, is a formidable force with the ball in hand and space to exploit. His standout moment came in the 2023 Six Nations against England, where he evaded five defenders on a 55-meter run for a sensational try. In the 2024 Six Nations, he further showcased his brilliance with a hat-trick against England, each try a testament to his individual skill.