Nigel Owens told to mind his own business as outspoken Irish rugby international says he talks too much

Former Ireland international Alan Quinlan says Nigel Owens went to far on the weekend asking Simon Zebo to apologise to Michael Lowry for taunting the Ulster player in a try celebration.

And the ex-Munster back-rower added it was none of Owens’ business winger Zebo wagged his finger at Lowry as he went past him to score Racing 92’s fifth try in a key Heineken Champions Cup clash.

Immediately afterwards the Welsh referee was heard telling Zebo there was no need for it and advising him to say sorry.

He did just that and apologised for a second time on social media afterwards.

Owens’ actions received praise from on high with World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper lauding the Welshman for his ‘thoughtful and well managed intervention’.

And he also applauded Zebo for ‘the positive way he accepted and acted on the advice’.

Others have suggested there was no need for Zebo to apologise and 27-times capped Quinlan agreed.

“It’s a load of rubbish if you ask me,” Quinlan said, speaking on Off The Ball AM , in his homeland.

“It should be done internally. If I was an Ulster player, I’d have said to Zeebs after the game, ‘Look, stop being a smartarse. You shouldn’t have done that. He’s only a young fella after coming into the team, have a bit of respect’.

“The sort of person he is straight away he’d have put his hands up.

“I don’t think the referee should have got involved saying you’ve got to go over there and apologise.

“Look, I’m probably the Stuart McCluskey type, running across the field saying ‘I’ll kill you in the next ruck’ or whatever but I think it’s just blown out of proportion.

“He plays with a smile on his face, he’s eccentric and I feel he’s telling the truth in his statement.

“But it was none of Nigel Owens’ business. I’m not even saying it’s that big a thing Owens saying it but it’s highlighted it a lot more.

“It’s a storm in a teacup.

“I’m glad Simon Zebo apologised and gave him his jersey but it would have been nice to hear that without him having been told you have to apologise.

“That would have been authentic and good sport.

“Everybody makes mistakes on the field.

“I know Nigel Owens well and he’s a good ref and a good fella but sometimes there’s just a bit too much talk.”