WATCH | George North banned for Wales match after first red card
Wales Rugby NewsMonday, 14 September 2020 at 21:56
Wales winger George North will miss Wales’ friendly against France on October 24th due to his suspension after receiving the first red card of his career.
The 28-year-old was handed a four-match ban after being dismissed for a dangerous challenge on the Dragons’ Ashton Hewitt during the 20-20 Guinness PRO14 draw back in August.
However, North will likely miss hsi countries Autumn opener with the game set to count as the fourth match of his time out.
Meanwhile, Owen Farrell will be free to play for England as he will have served his five-match ban, such are the swings and roundabouts of rugby's disciplinary process.
Sir Clive Woodward, England's World Cup winning coach, was among those criticising Farrell at the weekend.
"Farrell has to get these tackles out of his system. Not only can they cost his side dear but as the England captain he has to be better," he said.
"The game is no longer willing to tolerate such dangerous tackles, as the England captain is about to discover."
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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."
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