Referee Nigel Owens escapes unhurt after car crash on the M4 as he returned from officiating Castres v Leinster in France

Owens thanked those who stopped to check he was ok as he made his way back to south Wales from his trip to France

Referee Nigel Owens escaped unhurt following a car accident on the M4 as he returned from Castres v Leinster on the weekend (GETTY IMAGES)

International referee Nigel Owens has been left shaken but unhurt after being involved in an accident on the M4 motorway.

Owens was travelling back to south Wales from France after officiating at the Castres v Leinster Heineken Cup game on Sunday.

The accident occurred between Pyle and Margam as the 42-year-old drove home from Bristol Airport.

Owens tweeted: "Thanks all of u who stopped to see if I was ok after smash on M4. Vrry shaken but ok. Car is prob rite off though thanks to the police too."

He later added: "Really am touched that so many of you have sent messages and text me after the accident. I am ok thanks shaken and sore but ok. Thanks all"

PA