England captain Owen Farrell is “incredibly regretful” over the illegal tackle that saw him sent off against Wasps.
The fly-half revealed today that he's exchanged texts with 18-year-old Charlie Jinkinson and admitted that he's 'deeply sorry' for the 'out of control' tackle ahead of his disciplinary hearing tomorrow.
The horrific hit is almost certain to see him banned for Saracens’ most important game of the season, according to his director of rugby Mark McCall.
“Obviously Owen got the tackle wrong, there’s no question about that. He’s been into the club and I’ve spoken to him,” director of rugby Mark McCall said.
“You could see form his reaction as soon as it happened that he knew he got it wrong and he is incredibly regretful.
“He stood on the touchline and waited for Charlie to get up and come off and he was really concerned for him. You could see on his face how he felt.”
Saracens are also currently without England loosehead-prop Mako Vunipola.
“Mako isn’t ready yet. It’s lingering for longer than we had hoped,” McCall added.
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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."
