News

Farrells set for history on Friday

August 14 2008

Andy and Owen Farrell are set to make history on Friday when they both line-up on the bench for Saracens in their pre-season game against Australian Super 14 side Western Force.

If both father, Andy, and son, Owen, come on to the field on Friday they will become the first ever father-and-son combination to have played in a professional rugby game.

Owen, a member of the Saracens Academy, has recently returned from Argentina where he was on tour with England U18 and like his father he plays at inside centre.

However Andy has been named as a fly-half replacement for the game, so not only are they both set to feature but Owen will play outside his father at inside centre.

"Both of us are really looking forward to it although my wife is nervous enough when one of us is playing, so I don't know what she'll be like on Friday," explained Andy.

"But it's going to be a very proud day for the Farrell household and after seeing Owen develop as a player in recent years and him being part of the Saracens Academy, this is something that I always hoped I would get the chance to do."

Farrell senior is glad that his son, as well as several other young Academy players, are getting the chance to taste first team action, saying it can only serve to benefit them.

"Owen has been working very hard on his game and he's just got back from a successful tour with England U18s to Argentina and it's going to be good for him and some of the other younger guys involved to face some experienced players," Farrell continued.

"It's a testament to the hard work of Eddie Jones and Academy Manager Mike Hynard that we've got a number of exciting youngsters coming through the system."