Nigel Owens reveals when he plans on retiring from rugby

The bad news is Nigel Owens won't be officiating rugby games forever.

The good news is that the top referee feels he's got a solid three years left in the game. Owens revealed his intention to hang his whistle up for good at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, in an interview with Wales Online. Although, he admitted he may be forced to retire earlier than that.

“I’m 44 and there’s no age limit on refereeing international rugby. My motivation is to keep reffing because I just enjoy it, whether it’s an under-12 match, a local derby, the Pro12, Champions Cup or a World Cup final." “As long as I can still do a good job on the pitch so the players enjoy it I plan to go on until the 2019 World Cup, if I am fit and refereeing well enough."

The Welshman explained that he will stay refereeing until 2019, but only if he can stay fit enough to pass the union's physical tests.

“It is difficult because we have got high fitness standards you must meet. At the moment my test scores are pretty good but you have to train and work hard." “It’s a bit like the players in that you have to look after yourself, be sensible in what you eat and what you do, but it’s worth the extra effort because I love what I’m doing.”