Will Carling has came to the defence of Owen Farrell after the England captain was again the target of a barrage from Ireland’s most controversial rugby pundit.
The long retired Ireland internationa, Neil Francis, says that Farrell’s behaviour as England captain has set the tone for the rest of his team.
When the person charged with ensuring discipline and rugby ethics is the one subverting it, well then where are you?” wrote Francis.
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“I don’t know Owen Farrell and our paths have never crossed. By accounts, he is not a bad fella off the pitch – but on it…”
“You do get the impression that if the captain is behaving badly then it’s OK for everyone to do it.”
“You get the sense of something about England. A tipping point is not far away.”
I see Irish pundit Neil Francis is having another go at Owen Farrell. Admits though that their paths have never crossed. That Neil is because Owen has a life!
— Will Carling (@willcarling) March 30, 2020
Carling took to Twitter to respond, tweeting: “I see Irish pundit Neil Francis is having another go at Owen Farrell. Admits though that their paths have never crossed. That Neil is because Owen has a life!
He added: “He is not that well known, apart from his controversial articles.”
Owen Farrell’s fights: Five of his iconic SCRAPS
Despite being England’s inspirational captain, Owen Farrell does occasionally hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
1. Farrell vs Schalk Brits, 2013
British & Irish Lions fly-half Farrell held onto Schalk Brits at the ruck, sparking quite the scrap.
The Barbarians hooker didn’t appreciate it and was suspended for three weeks for punching the fly-half in the Lions’ tour opener in Hong Kong.
The 32-year-old, lashed out at Farrell in a match the Lions won 59-8 on Saturday.