Nigel Owens announces retirement from Test rugby with immediate effect

The most-capped referee in world rugby, Nigel Owens has brought his 17-year international career to an end.

Owens recently took charge of the France versus Italy Autumn Nations Cup clash in Paris.

That was his record-breaking 100th Test match and has proven a fitting way to bow out.

Announcing his retirement, Owens said, "There comes a time where it’s time to move on, so international refereeing will come to an end now, that France v Italy game was my last Test match.

"To go out on 100 is a good time to go."

"I'm not going to be around for 2023, I don’t want to be. I still hope to referee in the Pro 14 and locally in Wales this season and maybe next as well," he continued.

"I will certainly continue to referee in the community game because when you are very fortunate to get so much out of something, I think it’s hugely important that you give something back to it as well.

"I will also be hopefully going into a coaching role with the WRU, helping some of our talented, young referees we have here in Wales. That is something I'm quite excited about.

"We currently have five referees including myself at PRO 14 level so it will be good to help them make further progress, as well as our other upcoming male and female referees.”