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Owens reflects on 100th European milestone

Owens reflects on 100th European milestone

Nigel Owens took charge of his 100th European encounter as Saracens claimed European Rugby Champions Cup final success with a 28-17 victory over ASM Clermont Auvergne.

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And the experienced Welsh official says the thriller at BT Murrayfield was the best European game he has been involved in such was the standard of the rugby on show.

Owens said: “It was my sixth final and my third on the trot and it was the best I have been involved in because of the quality of the rugby we saw.

“On a personal note, it was a bit more special for me because it was my 100th game at European level. It was up there with the best finals I’ve refereed.

“The 2015 Rugby World Cup final and the 2016 Guinness Pro12 final were some of my most memorable games and this match joins those.”

In a final which entertained from first minute to last, Saracens came out on top as they outscored their French opponents by three tries to two.

Chris Ashton, George Kruis and Alex Goode all crossed for Mark McCall’s men, with Remi Lamerat and Nick Abendanon responding for Clermont.

Owens said:  “It was a great rugby match. A lot of people were looking forward to it for a number of reasons.

“The fact there were two great teams involved and that European rugby has gone up a level in the last few years meant there was a lot of expectation.

“When you think it’s going to be a brilliant match, the game can often disappoint, especially in finals when there is so much on the line.

“This was different. It was a game of Test match intensity from the first minute to last. It had everything – big collisions, great tries, team work and more. I’m sure it was a great match for the supporters because it was in the balance until the final few minutes.

“Nobody knew who was going to win until Saracens scored their late try and it made for a great occasion. The atmosphere at BT Murrayfield was amazing – both sets of supporters were a credit to their teams and there were a lot of neutral fans there too.”

Owens’ 100th European appearance saw him receive a special cap to commemorate the milestone.
It was a fitting end to a special day for the top Welsh official.

He added: “It helped me that this was my sixth final – it means you’re more experienced, can deal with the pressure and can maybe enjoy the match a bit more.

“To receive my cap for 100 European games afterwards was a lovely gesture from EPCR. It was a lovely personal touch and it has taken pride of place in the cabinet in my house.”

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