England v France incident saw Nigel Owens put English captain in his place with one word
Nigel Owens has a long list of iconic one-liners, but this incident during England v France is up there with the most memorable.
England face France in round two of the Six Nations this afternoon, with Les Bleus aiming to replicate the 53-10 hammering they dished out at the Allianz Stadium two years ago.
That win was their biggest ever margin against the English, but the home side have also dished out more than 50 points in this clash. Back in 2015, England won 55-35 at 'HQ', and it was in this match that Owens' infamous put-down of Chris Robshaw occurred.
READ MORE: Gino D'Acampo's 'bizarre' marriage confession and why he 'hardly ever sees' wife
READ MORE: Full list of TV licence fee payers who could cancel and get £169.50 refund
The England captain was attempting to change Owens' mind on a decision, and was persistent in his approach. Owens had heard enough, and simply shot a stern look in the Englishman's direction before simply saying: "Christopher!"
In classic rugby fashion, Robshaw simply replied: "Sorry sir".
Where has the time gone. 10 years ago and it feels like yesterday. O how I loved refereeing the @SixNationsRugby. #AhhhCHRISTOPHEEEEER
Good old days https://t.co/cNAy9UNPHu— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 6, 2025
After Robshaw retired in 2022, Owens posted a reference to this on social media, writing: "The very best of wishes and congratulations on a wonderful career. It was always a pleasure “Christopher."
Now a decade old, Owens re-posted the footage and said: "Where has the time gone? 10 years ago and it feels like yesterday. Oh how I loved refereeing the Six Nations. #AhhhCHRISTOPHEEEEER. Good old days".