Owens set for magical 50 mark

Currently sitting on 48 appearances at the highest level, Wales’ top whistler has been awarded the 6pm kick-off at Stade de France on Saturday 1 February 2014 where the hosts entertain England in the opening round of fixtures.

He will have to wait until the penultimate round of championship matches on 8 March to reach the magical 50 mark where Ireland host Italy at the Aviva Stadium (KO 2.30pm).

“It’s quite a good symmetry for me as I reffed my first game in Osaka between Japan and Ireland so to play my 50th with Ireland is quite special. There’s no way that when I refereed my first game I ever thought I would reach 50. There aren’t many who have reached that mark so it will be a special occasion.”

Owens will be the second referee to reach half a century during the northern hemisphere’s showpiece tournament as England’s Wayne Barnes is sitting on 49 and will reach 50 in the second round of matches when he starts the match at the Aviva Stadium between Ireland and Wales.

Owens is considered the top referee in the world after his contribution saw the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand heralded as the best game of rugby ever played while the superlatives were also trotted out after his performance in Dublin where Ireland so nearly pulled off the shock of the century before succumbing to New Zealand in injury time.

“I don’t think there will be any added pressure on me to perform because of those accolades,” said Owens.

“I just go out there and try and do my best every time I referee. I suppose I am known as a referee who likes a fast and open game but on both those occasions both teams wanted to play running rugby.”

Leading Referee Cap holders