Rugby-Ireland coach Farrell defends son Owen after disciplinary 'circus'


  • Rugby
  • Friday, 18 Aug 2023

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Ireland v England - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - March 18, 2023 Ireland head coach Andy Farrell REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/File Photo

(Reuters) - Ireland manager Andy Farrell described the current disciplinary process involving his son Owen, the England flyhalf, as a "disgusting circus" on Thursday.

Owen Farrell was left out of England's squad to face Ireland in Saturday's World Cup warm-up game after World Rugby appealed against a decision to overturn the red card he received for a dangerous tackle in the match against Wales last week.

"The circus that's gone on in and around all of this is absolutely disgusting," said Ireland coach Andy Farrell.

"I suppose those people that have loved their time in the sun get a few more days to keep going at that."

Owen Farrell was sent off after smashing his shoulder into the face of Wales forward Taine Basham in a no-arms tackle on Saturday.

The flyhalf, who has had several suspensions related to tackle technique in his career, was expected to receive a minimum four-game suspension for the act of foul play but the red card was overturned.

England coach Steve Borthwick said his captain had the team's full support ahead of the appeal, which will be heard next week.

"When you're talking about somebody's son and asking the question, it's always going to be flawed, so what does that really matter?," Andy Farrell added.

"I don't normally say too much because of that type of reason about my son."

Owen Farrell's potential suspension could cause him to miss a number of England's World Cup pool matches.

England's first two World Cup group matches are against Argentina and Japan next month.

(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, editing by Ed Osmond)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Rugby

Rugby-Robinson praises astute All Blacks after finishing strong in Dublin
Rugby-Ireland's Farrell bemoans errors as long unbeaten home streak ends
Rugby-Clinical New Zealand claim statement win over top-ranked Ireland
Rugby-Wales women's coach Cunningham steps down after player contracts furore
Rugby-We must be brave and keep on attacking, says England captain George
Rugby-Bolstered Fiji shuffle backline for Wales Test
Rugby-Scotland welcome back experienced trio for Springboks showdown
Rugby-Springboks make 11 changes to starting team for Scotland test
Rugby-Wing Murray to debut for Wales as Anscombe returns at 10
Rugby-No acrimony with New Zealand, says Ireland captain Doris

Others Also Read