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Nigel Owens, the legendary rugby referee who famously came out as gay in 2007, recently made headlines for a much more personal milestone: his wedding to long-term partner, Barrie Jones-Davies. Wales Online writes that the couple tied the knot on August 10, 2024, at the picturesque Cliff Hotel & Spa in Gwbert, Wales, with stunning views of Cardigan Bay as their backdrop.
At 53, Owens has long been a beloved figure not just in rugby, but also in the broader LGBTQ+ community.
His openness about his sexuality during his illustrious 17-year career as a top-level referee broke barriers and inspired many. Now, his wedding to Barrie, a schoolteacher, is being celebrated as another beautiful chapter in his life.
The ceremony was intimate yet filled with personal touches that reflected the couple’s love for rugby.
They opted for a rugby-themed reception, with tables named after iconic stadiums, including the local Principality Stadium.
Owens, who couldn’t contain his joy, described the day as “the proudest of my life” on Instagram, where he also shared a heartfelt video montage capturing the magic of the day.
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Since retiring from the pitch in 2020, Owens has kept busy with media work, co-hosting Welsh-language TV shows like Jonathan and Bwrw’r Bar, and running his farm.
Interestingly, after the wedding festivities, he shared the delight of returning home to find one of his cows had given birth to a calf, a nod to his love for farming life.
But the couple’s next big adventure is parenthood.
Owens and Barrie are in the final stages of adopting a child, a journey they’ve been preparing for with equal parts excitement and nerves.
Owens even turned down a coaching opportunity with South Africa’s rugby squad to focus on this new chapter, emphasizing that family comes first.
The wedding, the farm, and the future plans for adoption all show just how full and rewarding life after rugby has become for Owens.
His story is one of love, dedication, and the joy that comes from being true to oneself.
Congratulations, Nigel and Barrie! Here’s to many more happy milestones together.