Andy Farrell could one day watch both his sons play international rugby. But while Owen Farrell became an England legend, his younger brother Gabriel has his sights set on Ireland.
And there's an interesting twist.
A viral social media claim suggested Owen could switch allegiance to Ireland in October 2026, three years after his final England appearance.
The post attracted almost one million views, with supporters debating whether the former England captain could play under his father.
Unfortunately, there's a rather large problem with that theory.
Owen cannot make the switch under World Rugby's current eligibility laws. His younger brother, however, has a potential route to the green jersey.
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PLAY THE ULTIMATE DRAFT →Why Owen Farrell cannot play for Ireland
The 112-cap England international last represented his country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Under World Rugby's laws, certain players can switch international allegiance after three years away from Test rugby.
But there's a catch.
They must qualify for their new country through their own birthplace, or that of a parent or grandparent.
Although Owen has Irish ancestry, his family connections do not meet those requirements.
And the former England captain has already made his feelings clear.
When previously asked about representing Ireland, he reportedly replied: "Absolutely not."
Gabriel Farrell could follow a different path
Gabriel Farrell, meanwhile, has spent much of his childhood in Ireland.
The youngster attends Blackrock College in Dublin, where he was named in the school's Junior Cup leadership group earlier this year.
His father has already revealed which country Gabriel would prefer to represent.
Speaking to The42, Farrell said: "If you asked him that three years ago, never mind if we get to the end of this contract, that would be a shoo-in, I would have thought."
Gabriel's development within Irish rugby gives him a potential route to eligibility.
However, that would need formal confirmation under World Rugby's registration requirements, particularly because he moved to Ireland as a minor.
Andy has also praised his youngest son's kicking ability.
"He's goal-kicking already. He's probably ahead of Owen at that age."
Two sons. Two very different international possibilities.
And while Owen wearing green looks off the table, another Farrell could yet follow his father into Irish rugby.
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PLAY THE ULTIMATE DRAFT →Andy Farrell: 10 facts about the Ireland head coach
- Born in Wigan: Farrell was born on 30 May 1975 and is now 51.
- Teenage sensation: Made his senior debut for Wigan at just 16.
- Rugby league legend: Won six league championships and four Challenge Cups with Wigan.
- Great Britain captain: Represented and captained Great Britain in rugby league.
- Code switch: Moved to rugby union in 2005, joining Saracens.
- England international: Won eight England caps and featured at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
- Young father: Was just 16 when Owen was born in September 1991.
- Four children: Andy and his wife Colleen have Owen, Elleshia, Gracie and Gabriel.
- Grand Slam winner: Guided Ireland to the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam.
- Long-term future: Has committed to coaching Ireland until 2031, having also led the British & Irish Lions on their 2025 tour of Australia.
