Nigel Owens, the former international referee, has expressed his view that Barbarians games have become increasingly challenging to officiate in the professional era. Writing ahead of Wales' summer opener against the Barbarians in Cardiff, Owens noted that while the fixture once captured the imagination of fans, players, and officials alike, its allure has diminished.
Changing Nature of Barbarians Squads
Owens, who refereed the Barbarians against Wales in 2019, observed that modern Barbarians sides are often composed of players nearing retirement or those who have stepped down from international duty. "They're still big names, but you haven't quite got the intensity you'd get with full-blown internationals," he wrote. He added that glancing at the Barbarians lineup for this weekend, he recognized few names.
Refereeing Challenges
Owens highlighted the difficulty of striking the right balance as a referee. "People have come to see entertainment and tries. You need to allow the games to flow a little bit, maybe let things go you wouldn't normally let go," he explained. Despite the festive atmosphere, both teams still expect the referee to enforce the laws, making it a tough assignment. Owens noted that experienced officials are now often assigned to these matches, as newer referees struggle to find the balance.
Wales' Summer Campaign
Wales will use the Barbarians game to test strategies ahead of challenging Tests against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina. Owens commented on the appointment of Dewi Lake as captain over Jac Morgan, calling it a smart decision given Morgan's return from injury. He compared the leadership duo to Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell, stating, "Both of them were just born leaders."
Owens concluded that the captaincy decision should not be overanalyzed, as both players will work together seamlessly. The match is scheduled for this weekend in Cardiff.
