Navan RFC hosted its Annual Christmas Corporate Lunch sponsored by Specsavers Navan on Friday afternoon in the Newgrange Hotel, where one of world rugby’s most recognisable figures, former international referee Nigel Owens, was the special guest speaker. A crowd of almost 380 people filled the function room for the sold-out event. Club President Eddie Lyons opened proceedings by welcoming Owens and thanking attendees for their continued support, noting that occasions such as this are vital in enabling Navan RFC to provide rugby pathways and opportunities for players across the wider community.
Owens, pictured above, received a standing ovation as he took to the stage and entertained guests for over an hour with a mix of humour, personal reflection and insights from his distinguished refereeing career. He spoke about some of his most memorable assignments, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand in Yokohama, Japan, which he described as one of the most physical matches he has ever officiated.
He also recalled his first international test match, Japan v Ireland in 2005, the 2009 European Cup semi-final between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park, and matches before vast southern-hemisphere crowds such as South Africa v New Zealand at Ellis Park and again in Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
Owens shared anecdotes from the early stages of his career, crediting his school sports teacher John Binder—a grassroots volunteer—as the man who first encouraged him to take up refereeing after sending him to officiate an under-12 school match. He regaled the audience with stories from his first televised game, Newport-Gwent Dragons V’s Leicester Tigers in Rodney Parade, featuring an encounter with England & Lions Scrum-half; Austin Healey, as well as humorous comparisons between rugby Out half greats Jonny Wilkinson and Jonathan Sexton.
A poignant moment came as Owens described refereeing his first Six Nations match between England and Italy at Twickenham during a period when his mother was seriously ill. His father attended the game—his first trip outside Wales—and ended up seated beside the
then patron of the Rugby Football Union; Prince Harry, with his father entirely unaware of who he was!
To close his address, Owens performed a traditional Welsh hymn linked to one of his ancestors who served with the Welsh Guards in South Africa in the 19th century. His powerful rendition earned him a second standing ovation from the packed room. The event proved a major success for Navan RFC and was warmly received by all in attendance, bringing together club members, supporters, local businesses and guests for what has become one of the highlights of the club’s annual calendar.
