Rugby World Cup 2015: Nigel Owens to referee showpiece final

Updated 1738 GMT (0138 HKT) November 6, 2015

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Nigel Owens is known for his no-nonsense refereeing and was chosen to run the rule over the 2015 World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia but the gay referee says his biggest challenge was accepting his sexuality. Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

"I didn't want to be gay," Owens, seen here greeting Prince Harry before the Rugby World Cup final, told CNN. "I actually went to the doctor at one stage to see if I could be chemically castrated in any way, if it would get rid of me being gay." Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Many sports stars have found it difficult to be open about their sexuality. Owens came out in 2007 but he reached the pinnacle of his profession when the 44-year-old was chosen to take charge of the World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia. Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

"This is a huge honor and a privilege for me," said the Welshman Owens as he looked forward to taking charge of his 68th Test. David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images/File

Owens has won praise for the way he referees rugby matches. The Welshman is pictured giving Australia's Quade Cooper a yellow card during a Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks in August. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

"I'd love to give refereeing football a go," Owens recently told the Radio Times magazine. "I'm afraid they'd be down to five-aside before half-time." Here Olivier Giroud of Arsenal is shown the red card by referee Ovidiu Hategan during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Dinamo Zagreb and Arsenal at Maksimir Stadium. Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

"If you had coaches in rugby having a go at referees like Jose Mourinho and some others do, they'd be dealt with more firmly," said Owens, referring to Chelsea's Portuguese manager. Clive Rose/Getty Images

Rugby referees can use the television match official (TMO) to help them make decisions during matches. Here, Owens listens to the TMO during the World Cup quarterfinal match between New Zealand and France at the Millennium Stadium. Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images