Nigel Owens Opens Up About Bulimia Struggle
Rugby World Cup Final Referee Nigel Owens has spoken about his ongoing battle with bulimia.
Owens, who took charge of the 2015 Final at Twickenham is attempting to help others come to terms with eating disorders and other mental health issues.
The Welsh referee is widely recognised as being one of the rugby's most charismatic characters. Owens previously opened up about an attempt to take his own life as he struggled to understand his sexuality before coming out as gay.
“I’ve spoken about dealing with bulimia in the past but have never before revealed that to this day I continue to struggle with an eating disorder,” he wrote in an article on the BBC website.
“Since the age of 18, I have had bulimia nervosa.
“In 2015 I reached the pinnacle of my career – I refereed a World Cup final – in a memorable match between New Zealand and Australia.
“I’m known for being a steely, authoritative and, I hope, fair referee. As I walked onto the pitch that day, no-one would have believed that I was battling the creeping return of my bulimia.
“For those who are caught up in eating disorders and say there’s nothing they can do about it, I understand what they are saying because it takes you over and you feel there is nothing you can do.
“But I would urge anyone suffering to do something – seek professional advice, tell people about it, don’t hide it, don’t lie about it, that’s a great first step.”