Storm around Owen Farrell. England will play their preparation match for the World Cup (September 8-October 28) against Ireland on Saturday in Dublin, without their captain, who had received a red card during the previous meeting last Saturday against the Country of Wales. This card, which puts the opener or English center at risk of a suspension of up to six weeks, was withdrawn on Tuesday by a disciplinary committee, but the International Federation (World Rugby) appealed Thursday against this lenient decision for the Saracenss player.
Asked at a press conference on this subject, Andy Farrell, the English coach of Ireland, returned to what is happening to his son. “What do I think? Does it really matter?”, first advanced the technician who brought the XV of Clover to the first place in the world ranking. “Well whatever I say will surely be incorrect because I know what you are talking about and when you talk about someone’s son and you ask me the question it will always be incorrect so what is it what good does it do?”
Before finally blurting out, “You know, I don’t usually say too much about my son. What I would just say is that right now the circus around this whole thing is absolutely disgusting. In my opinion, that’s disgusting and I guess people who enjoyed being in the spotlight still have a few more days to continue being in that light.”
The coach of England, Steve Borthwick, also returned to this affair which disturbs an XV of the Rose, already shaken by poor performances on the ground. “This situation is very disappointing,” said the former international second line. “We thought we had come to a conclusion on this question. It had an impact in terms of disruption this week and now it will continue…”
And to lament: “The comments on this case seem to slide from questions relating to the tackle to personal attacks on the character of the man, which in my opinion is not correct. Owen has behaved in a very respectful manner throughout this matter.” A lengthy suspension would be a blow to Borthwick’s plans for the World Cup, with Farrell potentially missing the first two crucial pool matches against Argentina and Japan.
