Rugby referee Nigel Owens has made an Irish teenager’s day by sending him a signed jersey.
Gareth Duncan snapped a picture of the Welsh referee as he prepared to assist at the game between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva stadium in November.
Gareth and his mates called to Owens to give them a wave while they took a photograph but instead he responded with a v-sign and a cheeky grin.
@garethduncan4 & his mates shouted give us a wave Nige. Sending him my match day jersey for this selfie. Cheers Gar pic.twitter.com/NbicUpbPCD
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) November 27, 2016
Gareth’s picture subsequently went viral and was seen by Owens.
He loved the picture and promised to send the young rugby fan a signed jersey as a thank you for taking it.
He kept his word and Gareth was back on Twitter at the weekend to show off his new jersey and thank the referee.
Just received my signed jersey from @Nigelrefowens ! Can't thank him enough ! What a man ! Not a bad early Christmas present! #bestref pic.twitter.com/R6ai2fKd09
— Gareth Duncan (@garethduncan4) December 3, 2016
Top stuff from Owens - he’s a fan favourite for a reason.
Glad the pigeon post delivered the jersey as promised to @garethduncan4 for his great selfie pic and banter pic.twitter.com/Q5OBtBWgdt
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) December 4, 2016