Nigel Owens Takes on First Coaching Role This Autumn

Former Rugby Referee to Join Cardiff Metropolitan University

Owens Will Work with University's Women's Rugby Team

Legendary rugby referee Nigel Owens will take on his first coaching role this autumn, joining Cardiff Metropolitan University to work with the university's women's rugby team.

Owens, who retired from refereeing in 2020 after a 17-year international career, will join Cardiff Met as a part-time coach, working alongside head coach Ioan Cunningham.

Owens said: "I am delighted to be joining Cardiff Metropolitan University as a part-time coach. I have always been passionate about developing the next generation of rugby players, and I am excited to work with the talented women's rugby team at Cardiff Met."

Cunningham said: "We are delighted to welcome Nigel to Cardiff Met. He is a world-renowned expert in rugby, and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our players."

Owens will work with the Cardiff Met women's rugby team at their training sessions and on match days. He will also provide individual coaching to players.

Owens is one of the most respected figures in rugby. He refereed at three Rugby World Cups and was named World Rugby Referee of the Year three times.

Owens has also been involved in coaching in the past, working with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Barbarians.

Cardiff Met's women's rugby team is one of the top teams in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league.

The team has won the BUCS Championship twice in the past three seasons.

Owens' appointment is a major coup for Cardiff Met. It is a sign of the university's commitment to developing its women's rugby team and to providing its students with the best possible opportunities.