International referee Nigel Owens reflects on his struggle with bulimia

Welsh rugby union referee Nigel Owens revealed his battle for over three decades with eating disorder bulimia.

Owens suffered the disorder at the age of 18 and used to suffer self-induced vomiting or purging whenever he had overeaten.

The 46-year-old, who won the best referee award during the 2015 World Rugby Awards admitted that he fell ill numerous times during the recently concluded England's tour of Argentina and further revealed that the issue began when he was trying to come to terms with his sexuality.

"I was 16.5 stones. My belly was hanging over the front of my trousers. There was no way these guys were going to fancy me looking like that, so I started making myself sick," said Owens.

"For those who are caught up in eating disorders and say there's nothing they can do about it, I understand what they are saying because it takes you over and you feel there is nothing you can do.

"But I would urge anyone suffering to do something - seek professional advice, tell people about it. Don't hide it, don't lie about it, that's a great first step.

"I thought I was in control but since making the Panorama programme, I've realised I'm not. I came back from refereeing the England summer tour in Argentina a few weeks ago. While I was out there I made myself sick three to four times - I think because I was eating more food than I needed.

"It's been a reality check. Speaking to experts I acknowledge now that I need to do something, to sit down and speak to someone and try and get this out of my life forever."

Owens also revealed that after every mean he used to feel sick and used a chronic inflammatory bowel disease as an excuse for his frequent bathroom visits.

He said: "I suffered from mild colitis, so would use that as an ideal excuse to friends when I had to slip off to the toilet all the time.

"I was lying and being sly. Before long I was bringing up every meal I ate."