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'He would be welcome in WWE' - Wrestling legend defends Owen Farrell
By Ian Cameron
Owen Farrell was put through the ringer today on social media following his shock sending off for an outrageous but not entirely surprising clothesline tackle as Saracens fell to Wasps at Allianz Park. The Farrell high shot is maybe the most widely discussed and controversial tackling technique in the sport, and the apparent tendency for the England playmaker to get off lightly is sore a point for some rugby fans.
Yet today his luck ran out.
Much to the mirth of the internet (Saracens fans excluded), Farrell was given his marching orders by referee Christophe Ridley for the clothes-lining of Wasps back Charlie Atkinson.
Yet among the widespread condemnation, there was at least one defense posted from an unlikely and rather famous source. Former WWE heavyweight John 'Bradshaw' Layfield.
"Owen Farrell is a great player who has never been accused of dirty play, he made an aggressive mistake. He gets penalized, case closed-it’s a tough sport and he’s a tough guy. And he would be welcome in WWE," Tweeted Mr Layfield.
Yet JBL wasn't done. He went further suggesting he admired Owen Farrell's clothesline technique.
"Rugby guys are tough, apparently a bunch of twitter wannabe rugby players aren’t. A lot of crying going on about a high tackle that got a penalty."
"I see you appreciate a good clothesline! Me too. No one on this chain-I just see so many crying about this and it’s not that big of a deal. It’s a tough sport played by tough people and he was penalized. Owen came to Bermuda and supported our charity, good guy."
"He's a great competitor. Loved him against the All Blacks."
Maybe a WWE wrestler who was famed for the 'The Clothesline From Hell' might not have been the ideal candidate to defend Farrell, but any port in a storm right Owen?
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Latest Comments
He doesn't generally do it at all, for anybody, so don't say too much the next one could be just as positive about the Springboks if you don't get carried away!
He also pointed out the "no killer instinct" narrative that they simply weren't good enough. Do yo disagree that SA were that great against NZ?
Readying the article I didn't even see that as a dig towards SA SF, simply an exciting take on how close the ABs really are again to those at the top. I feel it is more you that is taking away from this enjoyment with you replay that is largely based on a lot of old resentment.
Just enjoy how good the rugby is and that NZ is back baby!
Go to commentsAttack coach? What "attack"? All I saw was headless chooks pinballing around the paddock. This whole coaching group needs a shake-down. The BFs have regressed at pace since the Prof & Cronnie days.
We have immense talent, some of the best in world rugby, but it's wasted on this coaching group. I put Bunting in the same loser category as Penney & Foster. At this point in time, success at RWC2025 seems a longshot!?!
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