When it comes to red cards, rugby legend and former World Cup final referee Nigel Owens wants clear guidelines on what truly warrants a send-off.
Speaking amid discussions on the trial 20-minute red card set for the Autumn Internationals, Owens believes there’s a better approach.
A “Kneejerk Reaction” to Red Card Controversies?
Owens didn’t hold back, calling the 20-minute red card a “kneejerk reaction” that falls short of addressing the real issue. “We need to sit down and really look at exactly what is a red card,” the 52-year-old said, stressing the need for clarity over convenience.
Accident or Recklessness? Owens Wants a Clear Line
Owens believes a big difference exists between accidents and reckless play, and it’s crucial that red card rules reflect that. “If something is completely accidental or careless and there is no recklessness in it, it wasn’t an act of thuggery, then we need to look at why we are giving a red card for something that is unlucky,” he said. However, Owens is adamant that true recklessness must be punished strictly: “If you go flying into a ruck with your shoulder first, your arms behind you, straight into the head of a player – a complete act of recklessness and danger – then you should be sent off and you shouldn’t be replaced in 20 minutes.”
Finding the Right Balance Between Safety and Fair Play
Owens highlighted the ongoing dilemma referees face: “We are stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment where we don’t want to spoil a game by someone being sent off unluckily and his team being down to 14 men. But my question is if someone is very unlucky, then why is he given a red card?”
Changing Dangerous Player Behavior
For Owens, changing player behavior is essential to ensuring safety on the field. He explains: “We also have to remember player safety is hugely paramount and we have to change player behaviour and get them out of that recklessness, flying in, not caring where they are hitting people. We have to change that.” Owens worries the 20-minute red card may hinder the sport’s progress on this front, saying, “I am a little bit worried that if teams are only going to be down to 14 men for 20 minutes, are we then taking away what we really need to be strong on and that is changing player behaviour and making the game as safe as we possibly can.”
A Lesson from the Past on Safety Improvements
Owens recalls the sport’s successful efforts in reducing tip tackles and dangerous mid-air contact, saying, “If you look back at the tip tackle or the recklessness of taking a player out in the air, many years ago referees went really strong, players were sent off, and we very rarely see a tip tackle any more. That’s because there were bans for it and it changed player behaviour.”
“Papering Over the Cracks” or Real Change?
Owens is calling for meaningful reform, not just a stopgap measure. “I just think the 20-minute red card is a bit of a kneejerk reaction in trying to find a balance of keeping people happy when they are saying going down to 14 men is spoiling a game, compared to a clear red which is there for a reason,” he said. He urged a holistic approach to red cards and reckless play, concluding: “Let’s look at the whole picture and make sure we get it right rather than just simply papering over the cracks and not seeing a change in player behaviour, particularly when it comes to head contact.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
