Nigel Owens won’t be making the same mistake in a hurry.
Despite having plenty of conversations with him during the course of Exeter’s 13-7 loss to Bordeaux, on Sunday, referee Nigel Owens plain forgot Gareth Steenson’s name.
The Welsh official is often lauded with praise for how he manages players on both sides and keeps the game flowing as much as possible.
On Sunday, however, his error in forgetting the name of the Chiefs captain, and former Ireland U20, was highlighted as “poor form” by Brian O’Driscoll.
.@BrianODriscoll calls out referee @Nigelrefowens for not knowing @steeno10‘s name during #ChampionsCup clash. https://t.co/wyMLwQRqiq
— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) December 11, 2016
Owens was quick to apologise to the Ulsterman after the game and did so via Twitter. He tweeted:
‘Sincere apologies… Felt best to double check his name than call him by his nickname ‘Steeno’ on the field.’
O’Driscoll responded that more was made of it than needed before Steenson gave a class reply of his own.
No need to apologise Nigel, no offence taken. Thanks for the game tonight.
— Gareth Steenson (@steeno10) December 11, 2016
a pleasure to ref the game GAR. Both teams a credit to the game and a pleasure to ref
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) December 11, 2016
Another case closed.
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