England use 'underhand tactic' to make sure Owen Farrell available fo Six Nations opener

Sunday, 15 January 2023 at 19:59

byRugby Rucker

England have been accused of using 'underhand tactics' to ensure captain Owen Farrell is available for their Six Nations opener.

Farrell received a three-game suspension for a dangerous tackle on Clement during Saracens' match against Gloucester on January 6. I

The No 10 was not anticipated to feature in Saracens' match against Bristol on January 28, however the Rugby Football Union (RFU) utilized a loophole on Saturday to make him available for the Calcutta Cup fixture.

They informed Saracens that despite his ban, he is eligible to participate in the upcoming fixture, thus allowing him to be included in Steve Borthwick's England squad when it is announced tomorrow morning.

Andy Goode

@AndyGoode10

·Follow

The RFU have written to Saracens to say Owen Farrell is available for a game he would never have played in so his ban finishes in time to play for England. Zero integrity in that decision, they are playing the system which, until it’s fully independent, it isn’t fit for purpose

8:42 PM · Jan 14, 2023

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Read 115 replies

It is believed that Steve Borthwick, England's head coach, approved of the RFU's letter.

The Mail on Sunday reports that the fly-half, who has been performing well, is likely to keep the captaincy position after the Autumn Internationals.

Martin Johnson Has Been Voted The Greatest Ever Rugby Captain In History

Being the captain of a team is a major honour and responsibility. Only players that have leadership qualities and those that lead by example can take the responsibility.

A great captain can be the difference between a team that underwhelms or a team that dominates.

Over the years of following the game, we’ve seen captains come and go. Some are successful, others less so, and only a few leave a lasting legacy.

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The best rugby captains should have the following qualities:

A great player
Inspire confidence in their team
Takes responsibility
Lead by example
Great sportsmanship
Tactical knowhow
Excellent communicator
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Greatest Ever Rugby Captains: Top 20

20. Phillipe Saint-Andre (France)

19. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)

18. Sergio Parisse (Italy)

17. John Dawes (Wales)

16. Will Carling (England)

15. Agustín Pichot (Argentina)

14. John Smit (South Africa)

13. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

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12. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)

11. Sam Warburton (Wales)

10. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

9. Sarah Hunter (England)

8. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Alun Wyn Jones facts:

He is the first player in the professional era to have played in nine consecutive Tests for the Lions having been involved in all three series
Alun Wyn Jones has a law degree from Swansea University and he graduated in 2010
nothing. Second rows wearing white rugby boots was quite unusual. That’s how he got the nickname Alun Gwyn Boots
His father, Tim Jones, was a respected solicitor who also played rugby for Swansea, and his funeral in 2016 drew hundreds from the legal and rugby worlds. One of life’s true characters.
Wife of the Lions captain and mum to their two daughters Mali and Efa, Anwen, who is a doctor of physiology, is a Welsh-speaking physiology lecturer at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University.

7. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

5. John Eales (Australia)

4. Willie John McBride (Ireland)

3. Francois Pienaar (South Africa)

2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

1. Martin Johnson (England)

Martin Johnson facts:

Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler. His younger brother Will is also a former back row forward for Leicester.
He briefly played American football for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end or defensive end.
Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia playing a side that included another of the all-time great lock forwards, John Eales.