Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

'Rude' exchange between Owen Farrell and Luke Pearce caught on ref mic

Owen Farrell of Saracens, talks to the referee, Luke Pearce during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and Bristol Bears at the StoneX Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Barnet, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

England flyhalf and Saracens captain Owen Farrell found himself caught in a heated exchange with referee Luke Pearce on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Saracens secured a narrow 39-31 victory over Bristol Bears at the StoneX Stadium, but Farrell had a nightmare day at the kicking tee, missing five conversions and a penalty.

The home side, however, outscored Pat Lam’s Bears 7-4 on the penalty count, but on social media the spotlight shifted to a verbal clash between Farrell and Pearce.

Video Spacer

White responds to comment from Connacht coach

Video Spacer

White responds to comment from Connacht coach

A video posted on X.com showed Farrell snapping back at Pearce after a discussion around a contentious ruck.

The exchange between Farrell and Pearce went as thus:

Owen Farrell: “That’s 3 at the maul.”

Luke Pearce: “Thanks, I can count.”

Owen Farrell: “Don’t be rude to me, there’s no need to be rude to me.”

Known for his outspoken nature with officials, Farrell seemed in this instance to have the support of many social media users who picked up on the exchange. Pearce – known for his directness with players – seemed to take Farrell’s feedback onboard, on this occasion, conceding to Farrell’s request not to be rude with him.

After the match Sarries DoR Mark McCall described Farrell’s strangely inaccurate performance as ‘one of those days’: “That was one of those days. I don’t think we’ll see that again. He was at the heart of the turnaround in the second half. It was a pretty ordinary first half and a better second half.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Penalties

6
Penalties Conceded
14
0
Yellow Cards
1
0
Red Cards
0

 

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

41 Comments
J
Jon 358 days ago

Ford is a better 10 - I think Offal is a backup/great kicker - make Earl the capo - lead by example

J
Joseph 359 days ago

Farrell always was, still is and will always be a kant.

K
Kara 359 days ago

Pity Pearce wasn’t more direct.
A very good referee who needs the support of admin.

C
Chris 359 days ago

I see nothing wrong in Luke Pearce's comment.
Owen Farrell should not be telling the referee how to do his job, it's disrespectful but when does that stop him? About time RFU cracked down on players telling the ref how to do his job

H
Henrik 359 days ago

I admit Owen F being a great player, but I wouldn't keep him as a captain anymore …. his petuliant nature rather upsets than intimidates the refs, which is rarely helpful

J
Jon 359 days ago

Time for a new English flyhalf

  • someone who wants to watch good matches at Twickenham

C
Clive 359 days ago

Offal is a prize nob who is worth at least a 6 point start to any opposition just for rubbing the ref up the wrong way. Of course the current crop of inept refs don’t help, what a breath of fresh air Sarah Cox was.

t
tom 359 days ago

Not a fan of OF but no need for a sarcy response from LP. Some refs can get away with it as a bit of banter, can imagine Barnes or Owen’s delivering that line better…afraid LP doesn’t have that style.

K
Kenward K. 359 days ago

‘Knob head’

J
Jacque 360 days ago

Farrell being a liitle bitch. He’s even worse than Sexton.

Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING Cheslin Kolbe backed to end 16-year wait Cheslin Kolbe backed to end 16-year wait
Search