Rugby: Referee Nigel Owens scolds player for diving

Rugby referee Nigel Owens, Photo / Getty

Welsh referee Nigel Owens fancies himself as a stand-up comedian and was at it again over the weekend.

But social media greeted his efforts enthusiastically when the experienced whistle-blower chipped a Scottish player for playing for a penalty with an extravagant dive after being tackled in Sunday morning's match against South Africa.

Owens is famous for some of his one-liners during the heat of battle and an epic put down of British Lions star Stuart Hogg drew plenty of attention.

During a break in action in the second half of the World Cup pool match at St James' Park in Newcastle, Owens told Hogg off for diving during the clash.

"Dive like that again and you can come back here again and play" in a withering put down which also saw him take aim at football, the normal sport played at St James' Park.

The clip has gone viral on social media.