England captain Owen Farrell receives a lot of criticism and hate for his in the field actions, but off the pitch he really is a great guy.
Ahead of his 100th cap for England against the All Blacks this weekend, here are three times he proved it down the years.
1. His celebration and it's meaning
The England fly-halves celebration involves linking both his index fingers together as he holds his hands out in front of him. And the reason for his celebration stems from his close relationship with one of his biggest fans - nine-year-old Jack Johnson.
Sports-mad Jack suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a debilitating muscle-wasting disorder that will leave him crippled and unable to walk. Having learned about Jack’s condition a few years ago, Farrell has been a big supporter of his in raising awareness of the charity Joining Jack.
2. When he made Nigel Owens cry
After what could be the Welshmans' final Six Nations match back in February, Owen revealed: "After the game I even had a hug off Owen Farrell.
"That meant a lot to me and says everything about the values of our game and those who play it. The England squad could not have been more courteous towards me.
"In fact, I will let you into another little secret. Farrell, as captain, presented me with an England jersey which read simply: 'France v England, Six Nations, Le Crunch, Nigel Owens 98th Test.
3. Going to bad for the opposition
When USA international John Quill was sent off for his horrific tackle on Farrell, the England fly-half insisted it was an accident and provided a statement saying so for the disciplinary hearing.
OWEN FARRELL FACTS:
1. He started off in Rugby League
His education began in rugby league - he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight.
2. School days
It's well known that the Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford, however, it's less well known that he went onto study Business at Hertfordshire University.
3. Celebration
Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack being a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.[ Farrell is also a patron for Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity Duchenne UK.
4. Record-breaker
He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford.
5. Family ties
It's well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it's less commonly know that his uncle Sean O'Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009. He also has two younger sisters, Elleshia and Gracie and one younger brother, Gabriel.
6. Tying the knot
He married his longtime girlfriend Georgina “Georgie” Farrell (née Lyon) in July 2018. Their son, Tommy Farrell, was born in March 2019. They keep their life largely private.
7. Name change
He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.
8. Dog lover
Along with his wife Georgie, he loves long walks with his dogs.
9. Idols
Owen Farrell loves Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer. He admires his game management, consistency and skill.
10. Most physical player he's faced
"Schalk Burger without a doubt. He has something special inside him that keeps him going all day."
11. Almost joining Manchester United
In 2005, the 13-year-old Farrell had a trial at Old Trafford, and did enough to convince the club's academy executives that the then goalkeeper deserved an extended spell with the club. Years later, they dressed him up as a goalkeeper on his stag fo.
12. Car
The England captain currently drives a Land Rover defender.
