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Nigel Owens jumps to defence of young rugby player who was told he is too ‘big’

24 Jan 2022 2 minute read
Nigel Owen. Picture by Florian Christoph (CC BY 2.0).

Nigel Owens has jumped to the defence of a young rugby player who was told he is too “big”.

The Welsh rugby ref and media personality responded to a viral post from Mark Pugsley, who was told that his son Alfie shouldn’t play in the under 12s and that he isn’t “healthy”.

Mark said he has to “remove a post from Facebook as an idiot commented” about Alfie, adding if “only people knew how hard he works to get fitter and how low his confidence has been”.

Nigel responded with warm words of encouragement for Alfie, telling him to “keep enjoying the rugby”, to “keep smiling” and that he is “doing well”.

He also promised to ref one of Alfie’s games in the future.

‘My boy’ 

Mark Pugsley said: “Had to remove a post from Facebook as an idiot commented saying my boy is to (sic) ‘big’ to play under 12s and isn’t healthy. If only people knew how hard he works to get fitter and how low his confidence has been. Don’t worry Alfie I’ll always be your biggest fan.”

Nigel Owens said: “Alfie mate, you keep enjoying the rugby. Always try your best, but always enjoy it. Your doing well keep going. I’ll come along to ref one of your games one day and will look forward to it. Keep smiling my friend.”


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Tabor
Tabor
2 years ago

Da iawn Nig y ffordd ymlaen I Alfie ydi ymarfer yn galed a mwynhau chare da iawn for.

Michael Dene Hawkins
Michael Dene Hawkins
2 years ago

Well Done Alfie, you keep enjoying your Rugby and being part of a Team. You are obviously part of great side. In the future, I think we might see you playing for Your Region, Wales and maybe The British Lions. Keep listening to your Parents & Coaches and making your village proud, you represent them and they are so lucky to have you. Good Luck Butty !

Kerry Davies
Kerry Davies
2 years ago

The tweets were cruel and unnecessary but the size difference among children players led parts of New Zealand and Scotland to introduce weight guides in order to avoid teams of smaller kids being seriously injured by whole teams of giant Samoans. In the USA they even have weight, height and strength guides in some youth soccer. It is advised that organisers consider the social and psychological aspects of dealing with the exceptional young player which is why the emphasis is on levelling up not down thus allowing the exceptional young player to move up an age grade to play amongst… Read more »

Tom Williams
Tom Williams
2 years ago
Reply to  Kerry Davies

Exactly the point that was being made, but as usual social media gives people the opportunity to twist and manipulate words. There was no malice in what was said, simply stating there should be rules for children to play amongst their own size and ability.

Andre Lambrecht
Andre Lambrecht
2 years ago

Go get them Alfie room in this world for everyone. Da iawn dal ati Alfie

Glen
Glen
2 years ago

Actually this debate should be about the more serious problem of childhood obesity.

Aled Rees
Aled Rees
2 years ago

Da iawn Nigel.

Donna Callender
Donna Callender
2 years ago

Well done Alfie You keep doing what you love doing and that’s the love of rugby. Yes small minded ADULTS can be so nasty sometimes, and yes it’s disgusting but the thing you must remember they are keyboard warriors. They would never be big enough to say it in front of you or your dad. These type of people live a very sad life. You take on board what Nigel has told you Alfie, and it would be lovely to see him turn up to ref your game. Just remember head up shoulders back chest out and you go on… Read more »

Freddy Walker
2 years ago

Wow, the post was superb. Love reading your content!

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