A Rugby World Cup final referee has called for respect in the wake of the homophobia issues that have hit the sport. Nigel Owens added that rugby is an inclusive sport and that "that is the important message". "And I am glad that rugby has allowed me to be who I am and that rugby is an inclusive sport for everybody involved in it. pic.twitter.com/4rHt1pS2EV — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 17, 2019Owens added that it will not make a difference who he referees. Speaking earlier this month at the launch of the 2019 Union Cup, Europe’s biggest LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament, Owens said he had been scared to come out in the world of rugby.

Source: Irish Examiner April 17, 2019 12:00 UTC