Michael Owen (rugby union)

Michael Owen

Birth name	Michael Owen
Date of birth	(1980-11-07) 7 November 1980
Place of birth	Pontypridd
Height	6 ft 5 in (1.97 m)
Weight	17 st 2 lb (109 kg)
School	Bryn Celynnog
University	University of Glamorgan
Rugby union career
Position(s) Second row, Number 8 or Flanker Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 1999–2003 2003–2008 2008–2010 Pontypridd Newport GD Saracens 103 98 16 (?) (45) (5) Correct as of 2009-02-23 International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2002–present 2005–2010 Wales U19 Wales U21 Wales Dev Wales A Wales Lions 41 1 (10) (0) Correct as of 2007-04-13

Michael Owen (born 7 November 1980 in Pontypridd), was educated at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive school in Beddau and was a Welsh rugby union player. He played for Saracens at club level and Wales internationally, having previously represented Newport Gwent Dragons in the Magners League. Owen, who is 6'5" and 242 lb (1.96 m, 111 kg), most often played Number 8, but was also versatile enough to play flanker or even lock. His ball handling was arguably his greatest asset.

In July 2010, Owen announced his retirement from the game at 29 due to a persistent knee problem. He is studying business at the University of Hertfordshire, on a two year course. Phone went off in lecture with Anya Higgins on 2/11/11 at 10.42am. Disgrace.

In March 2010 he began coaching at Hertford RFC, helping them to gain National 2 league status in April 2011.

He was a co-commentator for ITV's coverage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

International career

Owen became the 1,000th player capped by Wales when he made his debut in the first Test against South Africa in June 2002.

He temporarily took over from the injured Gareth Thomas as Wales captain during the 2005 Six Nations, and became the 122nd Captain of his country when he led Wales out against Scotland and served in the position as Wales won its first Grand Slam in 27 years.

Owen received a call-up to the British and Irish Lions for their 2005 New Zealand tour. On 23 May in Cardiff, he had the honour of captaining the side for their match at Millennium Stadium against Argentina, as tour captain Brian O'Driscoll was rested. He temporarily returned home for the birth of his second child.

Club career

Owen played for Pontypridd RFC from 1999 until the side merged with Bridgend RFC to form the ill fated Celtic Warriors in 2003 and from 2003 until 2008 he played for the Newport Gwent Dragons. Owen joined Guinness Premiership side Saracens for the 2008/2009 season after signing a two-year deal with the club.

External links

• Pontypridd profile
• Newport Gwent Dragons profile
• Wales profile
• Saracens profile
• Sporting-Heroes.net (Part 1)
• Sporting-Heroes.net (Part 2)
• Welsh Rugby Union