0:00:08 > 0:00:12- Hello and welcome to Mynydd Cerrig - in the Gwendraeth Valley...
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- ..for a special programme to honour - the local lad, Nigel Owens.
0:00:32 > 0:00:38- Hello and welcome to Mynydd Cerrig, - the village where Nigel was raised.
0:00:38 > 0:00:44- He's refereeing the final - of the Rugby World Cup tomorrow.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- Everyone is very proud of him...
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- ..and so is the whole - of the Gwendraeth Valley.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- The village is already - decked with colourful banners.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- Nigel can't be with us tonight - but we have a substitute.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- Do you like him?
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- We all like your masks too.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- Tonight, we're joined by many - of Nigel's friends and family...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..including his father, Geraint.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- Tonight, we'll hear about Nigel, - the entertainer...
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- ..Nigel, the public figure - and Nigel, the referee.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- Rhodri Davies looks back - at his successful career.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- My ambition is to referee - a Rugby World Cup final.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- I'd love to ref a Cup game between - Llanelli and Neath at Stradey.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- Those were his ambitions - at the start of the millennium.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- He achieved his second dream - soon afterwards...
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- ..and tomorrow, - his greatest ambition comes true.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- But how did he become a referee - in the first place?
0:02:04 > 0:02:09- His PE teacher and mentor at - Ysgol Maes Yr Yrfa was John Beynon.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14- John passed away before witnessing - Nigel's greatest achievements...
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- ..but his influence - was key to Nigel's success.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- He wasn't my best pupil - but he did his best.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- I remember a game against Ysgol - Syr Griffith Jones in St Clears.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- The school hadn't won a single game - before then.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- They scored at the last minute to - draw the game with 12 points each.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- The captain told Nigel...
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- .."Owens, if you miss the - conversion, you're walking home!"
0:02:45 > 0:02:52- He completely missed - and was our referee from then on.
0:02:52 > 0:02:58- One of his biggest inspirations - was his PE teacher, John Beynon.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- John told him to start refereeing - as he wasn't the best of players!
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- This was an important step - in his career.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14- The rugby world has benefitted - from John Beynon's advice to Nigel.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- John spotted Nigel's potential - to develop as a referee.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25- refereeing a Rugby World Cup final.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- Yes, we're all proud of him.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- There's international respect - for Nigel Owens' refereeing skills.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- But he always gets a hard time when - he returns home every Christmas.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43- The worst games to referee - are the Scarlets and Ospreys games.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- I've refereed their annual - Boxing Day derby for eight games.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- The referee is always to blame!
0:03:51 > 0:03:57- Both teams are from West Wales and - you're never a winner at the end.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- Nigel is certainly the winner now...
0:04:01 > 0:04:07- ..and has overcome challenges bigger - than the Scarlets v Ospreys games.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- It was a pivotal moment when - Nigel Owens revealed his sexuality.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- A weight was lifted - from his shoulders.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- He was able to enjoy his work - and his new-found freedom.
0:04:22 > 0:04:28- He succeeded in the macho world - of rugby despite his sexuality.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- This speaks volumes about him - and his status within the game.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- The Mynydd Cerrig lad - faces the biggest game of his life.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- Do you want to know - what he'll be doing tonight?
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- We have a meal with the linesmen and - video referees ahead of the games.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- The night before is better - than the night after a game...
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- ..because it could have been a tough - and physical game.
0:05:00 > 0:05:06- We all enjoy a sneaky half - on the night before a game.
0:05:06 > 0:05:13- Nigel isn't likely to mess it up - tomorrow no matter what he drinks!
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- To put it simply, - he's the best in the world.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- He's representing Wales - and we're all supporting him.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- It'll be a very special day for him.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- He's the best referee in the world.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- He's just the same person - both on and off the pitch.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- A Rugby World Cup final - deserves the world's best referee.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- Nigel Owens is that person and - that's what the players tell you.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- I have to praise him for taking the - Welsh language across the world.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- He speaks Welsh on the pitch and - the nation should be proud of him.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- We're all proud of Nigel.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13- I'm joined in Mynydd Cerrig - by Nigel's father, Geraint.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- Thank you for joining me tonight.
0:06:17 > 0:06:28- You must be very proud - of Nigel's success.
0:06:28 > 0:06:37- Yes, and I feel very proud.
0:06:37 > 0:06:46- The village has done so much for - him.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52- I'm watching the match with my - friends tomorrow.
0:06:52 > 0:06:59- This is the best place to be.
0:06:59 > 0:07:08- Family and friends will be here.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- Thank you for coming here tonight.
0:07:14 > 0:07:21- Tim Hayes is a rugby referee.
0:07:21 > 0:07:34- Nigel is a great referee.
0:07:34 > 0:07:40- He's highly-respected on an off the - pitch.
0:07:41 > 0:07:49- Nigel has travelled the world.
0:07:49 > 0:07:58- It's important to have someone you - can trust.
0:07:58 > 0:08:11- He's great at boosting your - confidence.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- I think he might be nervous.
0:08:16 > 0:08:23- I wish him all the best.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- I'll watch the game tomorrow at - home.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- Nigel feels just as comfortable on - the stage as he does on the field.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- Over the years, - he's entertained audiences...
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- ..during Noson Lawen evenings, - in rugby clubs and on television.
0:08:43 > 0:08:49- # And we were singing - hymns and arias #
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- Since he was a young boy, - Nigel has been a keen performer.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- He's done everything - from presenting to singing.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05- However, me mostly enjoyed - showcasing his comedy skills.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- I started telling jokes - after watching Ifan Gruffydd's show.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Shut your mouth and eat your food!
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- How can I shut up - and eat my food at the same time?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- The first time I heard - of Nigel Owens was at a concert.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28- Dafydd Iwan told me about - this young boy who impersonated me.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- He impersonated my entire act - and he was very good.
0:09:34 > 0:09:40- He said that it was worth seeing - this boy, Nigel Owens.
0:09:40 > 0:09:46- From a young age, he rehearsed his - act in front of family and friends.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- Thomas from next door - has had a vasectomy.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- Don't say! It's not been long - since he got rid of the Vauxhall!
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- I practised - in front of my parents...
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- ..and for the school technicians - and caretakers over a cuppa.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- I knew I was on to a winner - if they all laughed.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12- Are you sisters?
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Yes? Where's Cinderella then?
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- The Gwendraeth Valley boy - became a familiar fixture on S4C.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- I've performed on Noson Lawen - and on the Jocars programme.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- He answered an advert - in the Sunday Sport!
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- It was great to work with Nigel - because he would always listen.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- He would take notes - and was eager to learn.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- The only thing I taught him - was to be himself.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- I was starting to worry - that you were going to return her!
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- When I started singing, Nigel used - to compere Noson Lawen evenings.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- There's no telling - what Nigel would say.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- He would make us laugh - on the stage and backstage.
0:11:03 > 0:11:10- I got to know the young Nigel - as a Noson Lawen compere.
0:11:10 > 0:11:17- When Nigel would compere in the - Gwendraeth Valley, I was happy...
0:11:17 > 0:11:24- ..because Nigel was able to warm up - the audience and get them laughing.
0:11:24 > 0:11:32- # Every morning, the day start - with the dawning of the sun #
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- He enjoys being on stage - and he's great with an audience.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- The audience responds well - because they simply adore him.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- "How many times a day - does a bull do its business?"
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- "This is a good bull and it will - do its business eight times a day."
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- She turned to her husband - and asked if he'd heard him.
0:11:56 > 0:12:02- "This bull can do its business - eight times a day!"
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- He replied, "Don't forget that - he gets a fresh one every time too!"
0:12:13 > 0:12:19- Mynydd Cerrig's residents remember - when he started telling jokes.
0:12:19 > 0:12:28- Aneirin Karadog is a resident - of the Gwendraeth Valley.
0:12:28 > 0:12:35- It's great to be here.
0:12:35 > 0:12:49- I've lived here for a few years.
0:12:49 > 0:13:00- I remember frightening him when I - was filming Y Barf in the area.
0:13:00 > 0:13:11- I've also presented a few - poetry evenings with him.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17- Nigel is willing to be part - of local events.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- This is where his heart lies.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- You're the poet of Radio Cymru.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- You've written some poems to Nigel.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- Let's hear an extract from - Aneirin's poem in honour of Nigel.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- "A lad from the valley - is in the field
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- "A man, to guide the path of sport
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- "A man to tame the muscles
0:13:46 > 0:13:53- "On the field, telling it as it is
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- "From the rising sounds of the stage
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- "Through the darkness, - the sounds of the chorus
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- "He can break it with his whistle
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- "Or give a try with a rousing song
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- "The man from the valley - is an unsung hero
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- "One man stands on the horizon
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- "He's eternally silent
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- "The Welsh we see are excellent!"
0:14:19 > 0:14:30- Thank you, Aneirin.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- I'll watch the game in a friend's - house.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- After the break, we hear more from - the residents of Mynydd Cerrig...
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- ..as well as some rugby legends.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- First, we have some - good luck messages for Nigel.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- Good luck, Nige'!
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- Nige', good luck tomorrow. - You deserve it.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- # Good luck, Nigel
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- # Good luck, Nigel #
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Congratulations, Nigel. You're - fully deserving of this opportunity.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- Make sure New Zealand wins.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Don't forget to blow your whistle - until everything rattles!
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- Don't reprimand Dan Carter - because I think he fancies me...
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- ..and it could get - awkward between us.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Congratulations, Nigel and I wish - you all the luck in the world.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23- Good luck!
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- From the cast of Les Miserables...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- From the cast of Les Miserables...- - ..Good luck on Saturday, Nigel!
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- .
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Subtitles
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- Welcome back to a special edition - of Heno, live from Mynydd Cerrig...
0:15:53 > 0:16:07- ..the childhood home of Nigel Owens, - tomorrow's World Cup referee.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- Helen is Nigel's cousin.
0:16:13 > 0:16:19- Yes, and it's great to be here.
0:16:19 > 0:16:28- This area is very proud of Nigel.
0:16:28 > 0:16:36- Hayley made all these Nigels.
0:16:36 > 0:16:42- I can't take all the credit.
0:16:42 > 0:16:48- We had a factory of doing them.
0:16:48 > 0:16:55- Everyone will be here tomorrow.
0:16:55 > 0:17:05- We'll be missing one person.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11- I hope Nigel has a good reason for - not being here.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Nigel is highly-respected - across the world.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- We've already heard from the - present generation of players...
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- ..but former players also agree - that Nigel is the best in his field.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- Good luck to you on Saturday, Nigel.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- I'm sure it's going to be - a wonderful game...
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- ..because they've got - an excellent referee for once!
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Good luck tomorrow and - you certainly deserve to be there.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- You're the best referee in the world - and I'll enjoy looking at it.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- Congratulations on this - truly deserving achievement.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- You've always had high standards - so good luck.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Do as you always do - and have the respect of the players.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- Tell them what you want them to do - and hopefully, they'll do that.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- Good luck and enjoy it.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- I'm sure it'll be an important game - that you'll never forget.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- We're joined by the former - Wales and Lions star, Delme Thomas.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15- Welcome to the programme, Delme.
0:18:15 > 0:18:21- A good referee is vital - during tomorrow's important game.
0:18:22 > 0:18:30- Yes, that's right.
0:18:30 > 0:18:37- I wish I had a referee like Nigel...
0:18:37 > 0:18:47- ..when I was playing the game.
0:18:47 > 0:18:55- This whole community is behind - Nigel.
0:18:55 > 0:19:05- I was raised in the small village of - Bancyfelin.
0:19:05 > 0:19:18- I can see that we share this - similarity.
0:19:18 > 0:19:28- I feel proud to hear Nigel speaking - Welsh on the pitch.
0:19:28 > 0:19:37- Nigel is highly-respected - in a number of different fields.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48- The Gwendraeth Valley residents - are extremely proud of Nigel.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- Nigel hasn't forgotten his roots...
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- ..and proudly wears Mynydd Cerrig - upon his sleeve, wherever he goes.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- There are so many successful people - in a variety of fields...
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- ..but they tend to forget - about where they've come from.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- You should never forget your roots, - no matter how successful you are.
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- The area is very close to his heart - and he always talks of Pontyberem.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- He's also put Wales on the map.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- There's nothing better than seeing - a Welshman from Gwendraeth Valley...
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- ..refereeing - the Rugby World Cup final.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- When I visit new countries - like South Africa...
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- ..and shake hands - with the likes of Nelson Mandela...
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- ..it's unforgettable.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- People are surprised when I say...
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- ..that I'd love a holiday at home - in Pontyberem or Mynydd Cerrig.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Congratulations to Nigel Owens...
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- ..who's been named the Gay - Sports Personality of the Year...
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- ..at a special ceremony in London - at the end of last week.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- Nigel Owens has made - a fantastic contribution...
0:21:02 > 0:21:09- ..to the LGBT community - in Wales and beyond.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- People think that gay people...
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- ..tend to work in the film world, - with airlines or in hairdressers!
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- However, that's not true.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- I've been shown lots of respect - since I came out as gay.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- It's a pleasure to welcome - a special guest to the studio.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- He's the chairman of the Wales - Federation of Young Farmers Clubs.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43- I can remember Nigel as a member - of the YFC in the early 1990s.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- He was always competing - and full of fun.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- We put Nigel's name forward to be - the Welsh chairman of the movement.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- Nigel was a fantastic chairman - and would speak to all the members.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- He was very natural in the role and - completed his duties without a fuss.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- I've been a member of the - Llanarthne YFC since I was 15.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- The YFC has provided me - with many opportunities...
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- ..including competitions in public - speaking, drama and the Eisteddfod.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- I benefitted greatly - from these experiences...
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- ..in the media world - and on the rugby field.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- When Nigel runs out - on the field on Saturday...
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- ..I'm sure Mynydd Cerrig - will be very close to his heart.
0:22:36 > 0:22:44- He will also be thinking - of his family.
0:22:51 > 0:23:02- Gwyn Elfyn spoke on behalf of - this valley and the whole of Wales.
0:23:02 > 0:23:10- Our Friday night's Heno - usually ends with some music.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- This is Nigel Owens performing - with the Dowlais Male Choir.
0:23:14 > 0:23:22- # Which fuelled - this fool's devoted love?
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- # Where now the sound
0:23:35 > 0:23:47- # That left my heart behind you, - in your wake? #
0:23:52 > 0:23:57- Nigel is a man of many talents...
0:23:57 > 0:24:07- ..but in tomorrow's World Cup final, - we'll see Nigel, the referee.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- Thank you for coming here tonight.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- Good luck to Nigel from everyone - here at Heno and everyone in Wales.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- We end tonight's programme - from Mynydd Cerrig...
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- ..with the sound of Nigel's - favourite song by Gwenda Owen.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- # I've been back and forth overseas
0:24:27 > 0:24:33- # Despite seeing the world's wonders
0:24:34 > 0:24:41- # I can see the age-old truth
0:24:41 > 0:24:48- # That there's nowhere - quite like home #
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- Good luck, Nige'!
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- Hia, Nige'! Well done to you - and we're very proud of you.
0:24:54 > 0:25:04- Good luck for tomorrow - and we'll all be cheering you on.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- Come down to the club - to play some bingo with your father!
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Good luck, cuz. - We're proud of you so well done.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- What is your refereeing ambition?
0:25:16 > 0:25:20- I'd like to referee - a Rugby World Cup final.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26- Good luck, Nigel!
0:25:27 > 0:25:27- .