And he believes with the ever evolving nature of the game the likes of Henson – just re-launching his career with Saracens – and Blues centre Roberts are perhaps the future.

“The role of the No.8 is changing massively in terms of what they are expected to do. They are almost playing like an extra back these days,” said Owen – who won 41 Wales caps before retiring prematurely at 29 due to a persistent knee injury.

“As well as doing the ball carrying, they are hanging back to receive kicks and remaining wide to be the outside man in defence or offence. You even see No.8s kicking these days.

“The role is just changing so much. I think it’s going more towards rugby league, where the loose forward, the No.13, acts like a second play-maker.

“For me, that’s what a No.8 is doing in union. I think it’s going to end up with someone like a centre playing there.

“I can see someone like Gavin Henson or Jamie Roberts starring in that position.

“If you are asking your No.8 to do so many things that a back normally does, then why not play a back there?