Nigel Owens has spoken with Owen Farrell to help him improve tackling technique
Rugby NewsTuesday, 17 March 2020 at 13:31
Top referee Nigel Owens has revealed he's had conversations with England captain Owen Farrell over improving his tackling technique.
"What referees will look at is, if you're going to make a tackle and your arm is down to your side, pointing down or backwards, then there is no way you're making a legal tackle," explained Owens during a live recording of The Welsh Rugby Podcast.
"If you hit with the shoulder and your arm is back, that's an illegal tackle.
"I've had a good chat with Owen (Farrell) a couple of times before games discussing this," said the Welsh referee.
Im the same interview he revealed he has huge regard for Farrell and views him as one of the most respectful captains to deal with.
"He (Farrell) says to me: 'Well, how am I supposed tackle?'
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"Well, not like that. You need to wrap the arms and he explained that he was trying to get down, to get the power in and dislodge the ball and stuff like that.
"I've said to him: 'I appreciate what you're trying to do but if you get it wrong you're going to be in trouble'.
"When your shoulder hits, your arms [must] wrap instantly after."
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.
6. Tying the knot
He married his longtime girlfriend Georgina “Georgie” Farrell (née Lyon) in July 2018. Their son was born in 2019. Most of their relationship, has been kept 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."
Schalk Burger of Saracens poses for a selfie with a rugby team from Chile during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Saracens and Gloucester Rugby at Allianz Park, London on September 23. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK - Rugby
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