We may be accustomed to seeing him on the pitch and our screens but, for the members and guests of the M4 Business Network, last week provided the opportunity to meet international renowned Welsh referee, Nigel Owens MBE.

As the Welsh men’s squad prepared to face France on Super Saturday to conclude their 2018 Six Nations campaign, on Tuesday, March 13, Nigel joined a 160-strong audience at the Celtic Manor Resort to launch the Network’s 2018 event calendar.

Owens is known for being one of the game’s finest officials, having presided over some of the sport’s most iconic games in recent history.

However, guests of the M4 Network had the chance to hear the charming, heartfelt, and hilarious stories that have made him one of Wales’ most beloved sports personalities.

In addition to telling tales from the pitch, Nigel also shared his personal experience on an array of subjects, ranging from his upbringing in Pontyberem, his rise through the ranks of international rugby, and an honest opinion of his most and least favourite players.

As you’d expect from one of Rugby’s most experienced officials, Nigel’s confidence on stage was evident to all. While his talk repeatedly delivered hilarious revelations from his career on and off the pitch, Owens wasn’t afraid to share heartfelt insights into his personal life.

That included moments of sadness, personal battles with adversity, and the internal strength and family support that have helped him the become man he is today.

Speaking after Nigel Owens speech at the official launch of the Network’s 2018 event calendar, Paul Byett, chairman of the M4 Business Network and managing partner of it’s main sponsor UHY Hacker Young, said: “Choosing a personality to set the bar for another year of Network events can be a challenge, but we couldn’t have asked for a better person than Nigel.

"Comparisons are often made between sport and business, but the dedication Nigel has made to developing his career is something I’m sure many of us can relate to. It’s easy to forget that the sports we love would not be possible if it without talented, strong professionals like Nigel.

"We thank him for allowing us to get a true understanding of his personal challenges and triumphs.

"I look forward to seeing our members at our next event in May, and we’d be delighted to welcome new faces to join our growing numbers.”

The next M4 Business Network event will be on May 8, followed by September 11, and November 13 with 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, Thomas Carroll, The Celtic Manor, Newport City Council, 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.