Rugby ref Nigel Owens said he would have been a farmer had his sports career not taken off

Wales; international rugby referee Nigel Owens says he would be a farmer now if his career as a match official had not taken off.

The 45-year-old ref picked up an honorary degree from Cardiff University on Thursday to recognise his glittering career in the sport.

Since turning pro in 2000, he has been in charge of a record 71 international matches - including last year's Rugby World Cup final.

But the west Walian admits he could have tread a different path altogether after "falling into" refereeing.

And the openly gay sportsman, who came out in 2007, joked: "I probably would have gone into farming - though might have had a bit of trouble finding a farmer's daughter to marry."

Owens first signed a refereeing contract with the Welsh Rugby Union at 20 - and his first professional game saw him take charge of a game between Swansea and Caerphilly.

"I remember it well," he added. "It was Gavin Henson's debut for the All Whites (Swansea)."

Since then, his firm but fair methods have won him plaudits from players to fans.

And his talents and anti-bulling work has not gone unnoticed. In the past 12 months, Owens has won a number of accolades - including World Rugby Referee Award, Stonewall's Gay Sports Personality of the Decade as well as being handed an MBE in the Queen's Birthday honours.

So what does he put his success down to?

Owens is set to pick up another honorary degree on Friday - from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

He also has a chat show coming up on S4C called Wyt Ti'n Gem? - Are You Game?