It turns out rugby talent definitely runs in the Farrell family – and so does their favourite position.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
Lions boss Andy Farrell, once a bruising dual-code international and now one of the top coaches in world rugby, has not one, but two sons who’ve followed in his footsteps – and they both wear the No.10 shirt.
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Meet Gabriel – the next Farrell fly-half
While Owen Farrell has carved out a legendary career with England – becoming the national side’s all-time top points scorer – his younger brother Gabriel is quietly making waves over in Dublin.
Now playing his rugby at powerhouse school Blackrock College, Gabriel is turning heads with his impressive development, particularly as a goal-kicker. According to dad Andy, he’s already ahead of Owen at the same age.
“He says he never lets me win,” Owen once joked about their competitive nature. “But I always win anyway.”
Born in England, future in green?
Thanks to the family’s relocation to Dublin in 2019, Gabriel could become eligible to play for Ireland via residency rules – a tantalising prospect that could one day see him face off against his own brother (well, maybe in a charity match…).
Andy Farrell – who moved the family to Ireland when he took the head coach job – hinted that the switch to Dublin was always meant to be.
“Everyone from the north-west of England is from Ireland anyway,” he said with a grin. “Coming to Ireland and living in Dublin is almost like going home for me.”
From Wigan to Blackrock
The Farrell family’s journey has strong rugby roots. Andy married Colleen O’Loughlin – sister of former Wigan teammate Sean – and the couple have four children, including Owen and Gabriel.
Now, Gabriel’s performances for Blackrock College’s U14s have already caught the attention of onlookers – and even warmed his dad’s heart before a major Six Nations clash.
Before Ireland sealed the Six Nations title against Scotland in 2024, Andy revealed he’d been watching his youngest son claim victory in the school colours that morning.
“It shows you why Irish rugby is in such a special place,” he said proudly.
Watch this space
With Ireland’s golden generation continuing to shine and Leinster’s production line in full swing, don’t be surprised if the name “Farrell” appears on an Irish team sheet again soon – this time, with a very different first name.
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Who will make the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad? Latest odds
While the final tour squad remains months away, these latest odds from the bookmakers offer the strongest hints yet of who’s expected to don the famous red jersey.
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🔥 BACK-THREE: Scottish Power, Irish Precision
Duhan van der Merwe (1/16) is about as nailed-on as it gets – the Scotland powerhouse leads the market by some distance. He’s joined by two key Irish threats: James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5), both firm favourites.
England’s Tommy Freeman (4/9) continues his upward trajectory, while Blair Kinghorn (8/11) brings utility value and flair. Don’t rule out Darcy Graham (2/1) – the pocket rocket could be a dark horse.
💥 CENTRES: Aki and Jones in Pole Position
No surprises here. Bundee Aki (1/5) has been sensational and looks a shoo-in, while Huw Jones (1/4) is Scotland’s best bet in midfield.
Scotland’s dynamic duo of Sione Tuipulotu (2/7) and Huw Jones (1/4) are also on track for selection, while Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw (8/11) must prove his fitness to stay in contention.
🎯 FLY-HALVES: Finn’s to Lose?
Finn Russell (1/10) has the number 10 jersey in his grasp – and the bookies agree. England’s Fin Smith (8/15) is rising fast, while Marcus Smith (8/11) just edges Ireland’s Sam Prendergast, who drops out of the market in this latest update.
🧠 NINES: Neck-and-Neck
It’s tight at scrum-half. Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park (8/11) leads the charge, but Alex Mitchell (11/10) and Tomos Williams (11/10) are breathing down his neck. With form fluctuating, this one’s still wide open.
