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Half Time: My Autobiography
Nigel Owens is one of the best referees in world rugby. But before reaching the highest echelons of the game, he went through a personal crisis and came out as gay - the first to do so in the macho world of professional rugby. His bravery earned him great respect from players, officials and supporters alike. In this warm, funny and painfully honest autobiography, he speaks frankly about his struggle to accept himself for who he was, leading to attempted suicide, bulimia and steroid addiction. Owens also recounts many amusing incidents from rugby matches, foreign trips and his off-field career as an entertainer.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
40 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Nigel Owens
14 books6 followersNigel Owens is an international rugby union referee. He came out as gay in 2007, and has spoken about his difficulties with his sexuality, his experience of living with bulimia nervosa and attempting suicide. Nigel Owens was awarded a MBE by the Queen of England.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 27, 2020
I'd enjoyed watching the author referee rugby matches for some years. However I then heard him on a radio programme and then watched a documentary about him and realised that there was more to him than I'd thought. He attempted suicide and was bulimic. In addition he found coming to terms with his sexuality very hard. It made reading this appealing.
Sadly the reality was a little different. The standard of writing was not that high. Equally little was really included about the issues he'd faced. Not a bad read but not really what I was expecting.
Sadly the reality was a little different. The standard of writing was not that high. Equally little was really included about the issues he'd faced. Not a bad read but not really what I was expecting.
March 17, 2018
I really warm to Nigel Owens as a man of integrity and honesty. If we had had more role models like him in previous decades there may have been less homophobia in society. However I felt disappointed with this autobiography on two fronts. One, that as a part time comedian I thought there may have been more laugh out loud moments. Clearly, when doing standup he knows how to make people laugh. Secondly it often felt like he was writing just for a local, rather than international audience. An example is where he thanks people involved with his mum's funeral - touching, but only meaningful really to those who know him personally. But I am happy I read this. It's a privilege to hear a gay person tell their story. And helpful also to hear his learnings about his eating disorder. Much to admire.
January 7, 2016
I had always been a fan of Nigel as a ref, considering him to be one of the best. Reading this added more to the admiration I have for him, particularly with his frankness about his past. This I would thoroughly recommend to not only fans of rugby but also to those who are struggling to come to terms with who they are as individuals, as his advice is, I would imagine, very useful.
March 7, 2020
I had been looking forward to this book, as a rugby fan, I've long felt Nigel Owens was the best referee going around. His sense of the game, his comedic repartee with players and seemingly lacking the need to be centre of attention on the field mark him apart from many colleagues.
Add to that the snippets I already knew of his life, a very proud Welshman in a rugby-mad country, his attempted suicide as a teenager, coming out as a gay man in a very traditional sport, this promised much as a fascinating life story.
Unfortunately many sports autobiographies suffer from being just that. A view through a single lens, lacking the insight of third parties. And they are delivered as a chronological chart rather than an insight into the individual.
This is one of these books. Interesting, but you feel there could be so much more. The rugby career history is fine to a point, but more as a historical record and means of acknowledging those who helped his career, than an insight into the man and refereeing the sport.
Perhaps he has held back because at the time of writing he was still employed as a referee. A more open approach may not have gone down well with current as administrators and players?
But kudos for the way he talks of his personal life as a young man struggling with identity and health issues
Overall the book isn't helped by a writing style (it has been written in collaboration) that is rather dull. So it's an easy book to put down and read in small chunks, rather than become engrossed in.
While no doubt genuine, this could have been so much more. I take hope from the title, Half Time, as it concludes in 2009 and this suggests there may be a fuller, more rounded reflection on Nigel Owens life story at some time.
Add to that the snippets I already knew of his life, a very proud Welshman in a rugby-mad country, his attempted suicide as a teenager, coming out as a gay man in a very traditional sport, this promised much as a fascinating life story.
Unfortunately many sports autobiographies suffer from being just that. A view through a single lens, lacking the insight of third parties. And they are delivered as a chronological chart rather than an insight into the individual.
This is one of these books. Interesting, but you feel there could be so much more. The rugby career history is fine to a point, but more as a historical record and means of acknowledging those who helped his career, than an insight into the man and refereeing the sport.
Perhaps he has held back because at the time of writing he was still employed as a referee. A more open approach may not have gone down well with current as administrators and players?
But kudos for the way he talks of his personal life as a young man struggling with identity and health issues
Overall the book isn't helped by a writing style (it has been written in collaboration) that is rather dull. So it's an easy book to put down and read in small chunks, rather than become engrossed in.
While no doubt genuine, this could have been so much more. I take hope from the title, Half Time, as it concludes in 2009 and this suggests there may be a fuller, more rounded reflection on Nigel Owens life story at some time.
June 18, 2016
I've been a fan of Nige for a years (he's such a great ref, and so funny at times) but I wasn't sure whether I'd enjoy this book cause, let's be honest, sportspeople aren't always the best writers and it clearly wasn't ghostwritten. I must admit the opening section about his background didn't grab my interest, but after about chapter three I was hooked and I read the whole thing in one sitting. Once I had finished reading, I reconsidered my reaction to the opening chapters and I'm glad that they were included and that I persevered through them. What they show is that Nigel is deeply, deeply rooted in his community. You can't understand the man without understanding that.
The core message of the book is such an optimistic one - be yourself and good things will come. Nigel is such a good role model on the field, commanding the respect of far bigger stronger men, and doing so fairly and with a sense of humour. The book is much the same: honest and funny. He really does deserve all his plaudits.
The core message of the book is such an optimistic one - be yourself and good things will come. Nigel is such a good role model on the field, commanding the respect of far bigger stronger men, and doing so fairly and with a sense of humour. The book is much the same: honest and funny. He really does deserve all his plaudits.
August 5, 2018
A wonderful book!
November 20, 2020
I read this book whilst on a short holiday and made it my challenge to do so as I am not usually a fan of autobiographies.
As a huge fan of rugby union, I am one of those people who criticises the referee when I see cheating or other bad behaviour by teams, no matter which side. I find Nigel's funny quips on the pitch a welcome relief but as always, he and other rugby referees are treated with complete respect from players which is another reason why rugby is infinitely better than soccer and for the youth of today, a lesson in how 'manners maketh man'. Nigel Owens explains in his book how he has had to work hard at getting to where he is and not just because the world of rugby refereeing is big in competition but because he also had to come out as gay. He laughs at himself, doubts himself and had so much humility it's hard not to like him.
His adoration for his family is somehow typical of all the Welsh friends I know as is their pride in their country too. The stories of family and friends' support is heartwarming.
I knew he had dabbled in standup comedy but not the extent he explains in his book; it's apparently one of the toughest things to do but he clearly has a talent. Again, his humility and modesty shines through and when he thinks he has pushed boundaries, he goes into detail about how his thought processes recognises mistakes, offence he may cause and so on.
I liked him anyway but then reading about his life so far, it is difficult not to like him more. He has respect from all in the rugby world and long may that continue.
As a huge fan of rugby union, I am one of those people who criticises the referee when I see cheating or other bad behaviour by teams, no matter which side. I find Nigel's funny quips on the pitch a welcome relief but as always, he and other rugby referees are treated with complete respect from players which is another reason why rugby is infinitely better than soccer and for the youth of today, a lesson in how 'manners maketh man'. Nigel Owens explains in his book how he has had to work hard at getting to where he is and not just because the world of rugby refereeing is big in competition but because he also had to come out as gay. He laughs at himself, doubts himself and had so much humility it's hard not to like him.
His adoration for his family is somehow typical of all the Welsh friends I know as is their pride in their country too. The stories of family and friends' support is heartwarming.
I knew he had dabbled in standup comedy but not the extent he explains in his book; it's apparently one of the toughest things to do but he clearly has a talent. Again, his humility and modesty shines through and when he thinks he has pushed boundaries, he goes into detail about how his thought processes recognises mistakes, offence he may cause and so on.
I liked him anyway but then reading about his life so far, it is difficult not to like him more. He has respect from all in the rugby world and long may that continue.
March 6, 2024
This isn't the most well written book - possibly because it was originally written in Welsh - but that does lend it a sense of authenticity. The transitions between events or subjects can seem disjointed at times.
Other than that, it is a quick and charming read. There's a nice mix of personal story and sporting achievements, and Owens limits the thing lots of sports autobiographies do, when you end up with extended lists of fixtures.
The section concerning his mental health struggle linked to him accepting his sexuality is honest and powerful.
Other than that, it is a quick and charming read. There's a nice mix of personal story and sporting achievements, and Owens limits the thing lots of sports autobiographies do, when you end up with extended lists of fixtures.
The section concerning his mental health struggle linked to him accepting his sexuality is honest and powerful.
August 16, 2022
Another Rugby biography...and it doesn't disappoint.
Nigel Owens is one of the best referees of the modern era.
He has had his challenges, and is very open about them in this book.
He provides a great insight to refereeing and shares his memories, both good and not so good.
A very honest account from a modern legend!
Thank you Nigel!
Diolch yn fawr!
Nigel Owens is one of the best referees of the modern era.
He has had his challenges, and is very open about them in this book.
He provides a great insight to refereeing and shares his memories, both good and not so good.
A very honest account from a modern legend!
Thank you Nigel!
Diolch yn fawr!
January 11, 2019
Enjoyed reading about the life of, in my opinion, the best referee in the world at any sport. He used his background in Wales to develop his skills and values as a rugby union referee, while coming forth with various challenges he faced in his adult life, both professionally and personally.
January 1, 2021
I love Nigel. He is the perfect example of what can be achieved by hard work, humility and honesty. Great book, not just about rugby, but also comedy, family and the love of all things Welsh. Hoping a follow up will come soon, now he has retired from International rugby.
June 20, 2017
It a fantastic read by one of the best ref in the world.
December 12, 2017
fun read for rugby fans.
March 26, 2019
This is not soccer ⚽
As a Rugby union referee myself I found this a unique insight to Refereeing at the very top
Great read
As a Rugby union referee myself I found this a unique insight to Refereeing at the very top
Great read
January 10, 2021
A very honest autobiography. The opening page of the book blew me away, it also demonstrated that you meet truly know what’s going on with somebody .
September 27, 2025
2.5 stars.
March 1, 2018
Half-time is the biography of Nigel Owens.
Nigel Owens was the first ref which I looked up too, meeting rugby during the 2015 World Cup. He is such a role model on the pitch, and my admiration for him as a person and as a ref, only grew bigger as result of reading this book.
The opening itself was quite shocking and frank, but along the way you find out more about his struggle, interspersed with tales of rugby matches he officiated and other tid bits about his life. As a starting referee myself, there were many stories and tips that were quite welcome. Even if you not a referee, then you will still love this book.
Nigel Owens was the first ref which I looked up too, meeting rugby during the 2015 World Cup. He is such a role model on the pitch, and my admiration for him as a person and as a ref, only grew bigger as result of reading this book.
The opening itself was quite shocking and frank, but along the way you find out more about his struggle, interspersed with tales of rugby matches he officiated and other tid bits about his life. As a starting referee myself, there were many stories and tips that were quite welcome. Even if you not a referee, then you will still love this book.
February 18, 2016
When I discovered my new passion in watching Rugby last autumn I immediately noticed Nigel Owens. I appreciate his unique way to control a match and to discipline the players. He knows to give this sport a special grade and quality. It's a pleasure watching and listening to him during his tasks.
So far so good. I am a demanding consumer of (auto)biographies and need a certain structure to enjoy reading them. But his way to tell about his childhood, youth, becoming a referee, his coming-out etc. is not quite focused. In my eyes he jumps to much back and forth and loses the central theme then. Otherwise I liked his final personal words to the readers to encourage them to be themselves. Moreover there are lots of photos and an interesting appendix with places and locations he has been and which memories he has of them. Last but not least I finally learned the scrum commands I never managed to understand quite right.
So far so good. I am a demanding consumer of (auto)biographies and need a certain structure to enjoy reading them. But his way to tell about his childhood, youth, becoming a referee, his coming-out etc. is not quite focused. In my eyes he jumps to much back and forth and loses the central theme then. Otherwise I liked his final personal words to the readers to encourage them to be themselves. Moreover there are lots of photos and an interesting appendix with places and locations he has been and which memories he has of them. Last but not least I finally learned the scrum commands I never managed to understand quite right.
June 3, 2011
I don't normally read biographies but made a point of this one. A very enjoyable read both if you like rugby or if you want some hope from being in a terrible place in your life. The opening of the book has you in a dark place but Nigel Owens describes how he battled his problems and overcame them.
to Nigel Owens
"Keep it tidy" - overheard on ref link by a Leinster fan at the 2009 final, now used by the four of us at the final in many scenarios, always brings a smile
to Nigel Owens
"Keep it tidy" - overheard on ref link by a Leinster fan at the 2009 final, now used by the four of us at the final in many scenarios, always brings a smile
July 23, 2018
I have been to many games where Nigel Owens has refereed. He has always impressed me with his calm approach and fairness. It was great to read about how he rose through the ranks to become one of the world’s most respected rugby referees. Apart from the many personal insights and Nigel Owens personal struggles, it was fascinating to get the picture from the often much maligned referees point of view.
December 7, 2013
A moving, revealing and honest telling of his 'demons' in the macho world of rugby. Even if you are not a sports fan it is a compelling read.
February 11, 2020
A must-read for all the rugby fans. (If you know nothing of European rugby, there are probably a few chapters that are difficult to read/understand.)
What a brave man Nigel Owens is!
What a brave man Nigel Owens is!
March 31, 2016
Very enjoyable with several laugh out loud moments. Nigel Owens is as entertaining off the pitch as he is on it!
Read
February 1, 2016Added hog
February 21, 2016
Excellent read on an insight into the life and times of the Number One Referee in Rugby today. A frank tale, warts and all.
December 19, 2018
Probably the quickest I’ve ever read a book; loved it! Diolch yn fawr Nigel for your honesty.
July 27, 2024
Interesting look into the life of one the best rugby referees and a very amiable character. Good read !
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews