Nigel Owens' refereeing career is packed to the hilt with hilarious interactions with players on the field. It would be very difficult to pick the best moment out, but there is no doubt 'This is not soccer' would be up there for many.
The Welsh referee's famous remark to Treviso's Tobias Botes 10 years ago has burst back onto the scene via TikTok, with viewers around the globe taking in the exchange once again.
The clip first went viral back in 2012, and has amassed almost two million views on YouTube in that time, which just goes to show how much fresh attention it is getting on TikTok. Ball Carrier's clip on the video platform has 1.7 million views and 70,000 likes in just one day. It is the most viewed rugby video on the platform in the past week.
The exchange is etched into rugby folklore, and still serves as a reference point for fans as to what type of character Nige was as a referee. Owens was doing a RaboDirect Pro 12 game between Munster and Treviso when Botes had a moan about Paul O'Connell not releasing at the ruck. It is evident that Botes can't have been hugely familiar with Owens, as most would be aware that complaining to the Welshman never ends well.
After consulting the captain of the Italian side, the charismatic Owens turns his attention to Botes, who is awaiting his fate like a school pupil outside the head teacher's office.
"I don't think we've met before, but I'm the referee on this field, not you. Stick to your job and I will do mine. If I hear you shouting for anything again, I am going to be penalising you.
"This is not soccer, is that clear? Back you go and get on with your game."
The video has been met with a warm reception by viewers on TikTok.
"Nigel Owens was the best referee" is the most popular comment.
"Nigel Owens> any other referee" said another.
TikTok has given the moment a breath of fresh air, evidence that even 11 years on Owens' comment is still having the same profound effect on a sporting audience.
