1
'We are - as parents, as a family - bursting with pride'
By PA
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says he is “bursting with pride” ahead of son Owen winning his 100th cap for England.
Farrell junior is poised to join Jason Leonard and Ben Youngs on England’s exclusive list of male Test centurions when he captains his country against New Zealand on Saturday evening.
Father Andy is unable to be at Twickenham for the milestone occasion as his Irish side host Australia later in the day.
The 47-year-old, who hopes to attend England’s clash with world champions South Africa next weekend, expects Owen to be fully immersed in taking on the All Blacks before reflecting on the feat the following day.
“You know the sacrifice that’s gone into a career and anyone who gets up to 100 caps, they’ve shown mental strength, physical strength and resilience in both of those as well,” said Farrell senior.
“Then you add him being my son, it’s pretty special for parents.
“I know for myself that when I’m coaching against Owen or working with him, it’s just work.
“But when you’re watching your son playing his 100th game or his first game, that’s even more daunting and even more proud and even more nervous.
“We are – as parents, as a family – bursting with pride with what he’s achieved.
“But having said that I see he’s got his press done early in the week so he can get back down to work and I’m sure he’ll think long and hard about what he’s achieved on Sunday.”
Farrell senior is a big advocate of celebrating landmark appearances and makes a considered effort of involving families in ceremonies to mark such occasions.
He has already had three Ireland centurions during his reign after scrum-half Conor Murray joined captain Johnny Sexton and prop Cian Healy in that category a fortnight ago, while Leinster lock Joe McCarthy is poised to become the 30th debutant of his tenure having been included on the bench against the Wallabies.
Asked when he first realised Owen was a special talent, Andy replied: “I don’t know. His strength is like every person who gets to these type of milestones, his strength is he never think he’s that type of player that you’re talking about.
“You speak to Johnny, you speak to Conor, they would tell you exactly the same.
“They want to prove their self worth as a team-mate and as a player every single week and that’s why they stay right at the top through all the ups and downs.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
South Africa vs England player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
3
All Blacks player ratings vs France
4
Netherlands serve up Tier 2 shock as another World Cup side slayed
5
Latest Comments
Paddy T is playing the best footy of his career off the bench, and he’s a leader.
Straight swap: Paddy in for Scott, Scott to the bench.
But I’m loving Tuipolotu as an impact sub.
Go to commentsWhats that team then? Are Clarke or Tele'a likely to come back? Proctor didn't return to the squad did he?
I'd like see the young fullbacks play fullback, and so Jordan cover on the wing instead. Even seeing Reiks on the other wing would be cool, Reece can go back on the bench if theres even room for him there.
So preferably it would be ALB and second five where he came of the bench in the weekend and was great. He's a bit slow on the play for outside center but looks like he might need to play there if we need wingers.
Cane really sounds like he'll bit fit, is he going to want to play? I'd really like to see Kirifi earn a cap if Lakai was the only 7 (Ardie has to be all used up/finished for the year). Which young lock are we going to see come in?
No team lists here, that's kid games...
Go to comments