There has been speculation over Owen Farrell’s international future following the sacking of Eddie Jones, but Steve Borthwick is clearly a huge admirer of his former Saracens teammate.
Borthwick is expected to be confirmed as the new England head coach by the end of the week after the Rugby Football Union opened negotiations with his club Leicester Tigers.
There had been speculation that Farrell could be a major casualty of the new regime, but the former England captain is clearly a huge fan.
When the Saracens fly-half, then 21, had come under fire for his poor form back in 2012, he outperformed the usually imperious Nick Evans, notching six penalties from six attempts to help Sarries overcome Quins.
Borthwick, who was Sarries captain during the game, told The Rugby Paper: “Owen Farrell is one of the toughest men I know. He’s a fierce competitor and as strong as they come in terms of mental resolve.
“People will say what they want to say but I feel privileged to take the field with this guy.
“He’s a phenomenal leader and the way he handled the game against Harlequins was tactically brilliant. It was just another measure of the bloke.”
Next England Rugby Head Coach odds:
#8. Gareth Southgate – 500/1
#7. Jonny Wilkinson – 50/1
#6. Sir Clive Woodward – 30/1
