1
The Rassie Erasmus reaction to Andy Farrell's defence of son Owen
By Liam Heagney
South African rugby director Rassie Erasmus has shared his thoughts on Thursday’s outburst by Ireland coach Andy Farrell regarding the headline-grabbing situation surrounding his son Owen, the England captain.
ADVERTISEMENT
Farrell jnr was red-carded last Saturday in England’s Summer Nations Series win over Wales and although he was cleared to play with immediate effect last Tuesday at an independent disciplinary hearing, World Rugby have exercised its right to appeal that verdict.
It means that the Farrell disciplinary saga will kick on into next Tuesday when the appeal is heard by a different judicial committee.
In the meantime, Farrell was omitted by Steve Borthwick from the England team to play Ireland due to missing training last Monday and Tuesday because of his preparation for and participation in the original disciplinary hearing.
Asked on Thursday for his view on the situation that his son was in ahead of England’s third Summer Nations Series match this month, Ireland boss Andy said: “Whatever I say is probably flawed anyway.
“When you are talking about somebody’s son and asking the question, it’s always going to be flawed, so what does that really matter?
“I don’t normally say too much because of that type of reason about my son. But what I probably would say at this moment in time is that the circus that is gone on in and around all of this is absolutely disgusting, in my opinion, disgusting. I suppose those people that have loved their time in the sun get a few more days to keep going at that.”
ADVERTISEMENT
This reaction from Farrell has now been commented on by Erasmus. Writing on Twitter, the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning boss wrote: “Just my opinion: Andy Farrel (sic) just a great coach, man and father!
“From one of the toughest players in both codes to coaching English and Irish players (taking them to 1 in the world). Also handling what must be a bit of emotional situation with his son the way he does.”
Just my opinion: Andy Farrel just a great coach,man and father! From one of the toughest players in both codes to coaching English and Irish players(taking them to 1 in the world) Also handling what must be a bit of emotional situation with his son the way he does 🤝
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) August 18, 2023
Owen Farrell is a great player. His father was a great player in both codes as well.
Hey Thomas and Tristan, "If I wanted a lesson on Abraham Maslow's Hierachy of Needs Theory, I would see an expert.
Rugby players make decisions in micro seconds. The nature of the game is contact at pace.
I suppose both of you go to the "Stocks" on the weekends and throw rotton eggs at the misfortunates.
Hey send Owen Farrell over to the best Rugby Team in the World,
The Crusaders. We would love to have him. Ask Ronan O'Gara.
I always think, when observing entitled behaviour from young people that the blame is split between the young person and their parents.
Rassie is just like Pat Lam at Bristol. He brings out the avuncular, arms round the shoulders, good old christian family values stuff for the headlines. The reality.....???
In a way, I agree. Farrell is not the major party to blame in this entire situation. He is cynical enough to take advantage of his privileged status, but then again many would do in his stead.
Much like with spoiled kids, it's not entirely their fault, that they are the way they are. It's mainly their parents' fault. World Rugby repeatedly gave this princeling a very long leash, let him get away with liberties, and he simply grew accustomed to it, thinking that that's something he's entitled to.
Yes, he's a loose equivalent of a spoiled, privileged, entitled child. Yes, he should know better, have some character, and not take advantage of it. But he should never have been allowed to become one in the first place. And the blame for that is squarely and jointly on RFU and World Rugby. He's the product they created.
When spoiled children get to 18 and break the law they are answerable for their actions and are brought to trial. Sometimes they can afford a better lawyer and get off for something that they really should be held accountable for. Probably doesn’t benefit the community so much when this happens.
Farrell junior is a parent himself. How old does he have to be before it’s fair to say he’s responsible for his own actions?