Nigel Owens' Guide to Rugby Referee Signals

So what do the strange hand signals actually signify? One of the world's best refs gives a brilliant step by step guide.

'This is not soccer' is the famous catchphrase of Nigel Owens, Wales’ top rugby referee and widely respected as one of the finest officials on the planet.

And football it most certainly is not. Many will be tuning into rugby for the first time as the World Cup commences, but even seasoned rugby watchers are sometimes mystified by the complex laws and the referee’s hand signals.

So who better to take you through exactly what those signals mean than Nigel himself?

[StarryNightGazing]

"I'm straighter than that one"
- Nigel Owens (the Legend) on a crooked lineout throw

[JayGoonetilleke]

Thank you so much for Mr. Nigel Owens, as Referee in U.S I always study your games and take notes for me to be a better Referee

[strucksoon]

We love Nigel! Top ref, takes no crap, and ALWAYS good for a witty remark...

[mac_tire_aonair]

Top ref in the world - I hope other refs aspire to his level of understanding of the game and his very high reffing standards. Legend indeed!

[usarugbyleagueunionfan]

I love Nigel. He’s amazing and as a soccer ref I always watch his style. He did SA vs NZ yesterday. Did a great job.

[lewiskx]

It's not often a sports personality is loved and respected by all nations when there's good old fashion competitiveness involved!

[misterocain]

Class act and very useful. So many times commentators don't explain the reason for offences. Now all needs be done is watch the signs from the ref. Bit obvious really.

[jaspercoetzee]

As always clear and simple Nigel. That's why you're the rev I'd like most of all. Keep it up mate

[RadicalCaveman]

What's the penalty for calling a rectangle a square?

[AsadKhan-lmyr]

Errrr...excuse me. You’re ‘THE international referee!’

[CuanMRaw]

I'm reffing my first game tomorrow, some refreshing the memory with this video helps a lot

[tezzalenko]

When was the last time anybody saw the ball not fed into the second row? It's like watching a rugby league scrum these days

[Harpic]

I'd like to know how long you allow advantage to be played after a penalty?

[arthurchannell]

One question. How are penalties (i. e. offsides) enforced?

[Johnny-Leigh]

Very good tutorial for future referees!

[profeuphorbe]

"We haven"t met before but I'm the ref on this field, not you. Stock to your job and I'll do mine. If I hear you shouting for anything again, I"ll penalize you"

[emilylooser]

me watching this two days before my first rugby game ever

[kaitlinbilous]

2:22
I'm straighter than that one

[rewayi]

How about killing the ball signal and to stay on your feet

[ashashroff]

Sir Nigel Owens, The Prince Of Wales.