On the week that will see Wales gear up to face off against France to conclude their 2018 Six Nations campaign, Welsh international rugby union referee Nigel Owens is set open the M4 Business Network’s event calendar.

On March 13, Owens will join members and guests of the M4 Business Network at the Celtic Manor Resort. Those joining the Network’s first event of its 2018 season will have the chance to hear tales from the pitch from the man who still holds the world record for most test matches refereed.

Nigel Owens started refereeing in 1987 and made his European debut during the 2000–01 European Challenge Cup season. His career on the pitch has seen him referee some of the most iconic games in recent international rugby history. His approach has seen him earn the reputation for being one of the finest and fairest referees in the sport. With the Six Nations in full swing, those attending the breakfast event will have the chance to hear the inside story from one the tournament’s most experienced pitch officials.

M4 Business Network chairman and managing partner of UHY Hacker Young, Paul Byett, said: “We are proud of the reputation the Network has earned for securing high profile speakers from the worlds of business, politics, and sport.

"As we reach the heart of the Six Nations, I think everyone will agree the Nigel Owens is the perfect speaker to launch our 2018 events calendar. I look forward to welcoming our new and returning members and their guests to the Celtic Manor Resort for what I’m sure will be our finest year.”

The M4 Business Network’s full event calendar will be March 13 with Nigel Owens, May 8, September 11, and November 13 when the guest speaker will be celebrated journalist and award-winning newspaper editor, Eve Pollard.

The M4 Business Network has established itself as one of the premier networking organisations in South Wales, attracting members from along the M4 corridor. Current sponsors of the club include UHY Hacker Young Chartered Accountants, University of South Wales, Working Word, Barclays Business, Thomas Carroll, The Celtic Manor, Newport City Council, McAlister & Co Insolvency Practitioners, Rubin Lewis O’Brien, Johnsey Estates, and Gavel Auctioneers.

To book your place, or for further information on becoming a member of the M4 Business Network please visit www.m4businessnetwork.org or contact Paul Byett at UHY Hacker Young on 01633 213318.