While Andy Farrell has often been very forthcoming in his press conferences during his time as Ireland head coach, yesterday was somewhat of an outlier in that he openly expressed his emotions in relation to a rugby incident involving his son.
The 48-year old has often been hesitant to discuss Owen Farrell in a public forum, with their familial links somewhat of an odd dynamic to dance around when you consider the rivalry between Ireland and England on the pitch.
Despite this, his opinions on the recent furore surrounding the overturning of Owen Farrell's red card against Wales last weekend. Even though he admitted that he often shies away from speaking about his son in public, he could not help but slam the 'circus' that had developed around him in recent days.
Whatever I say is probably flawed. When you're asking someone about their son, it's going to be flawed.
I don’t normally say too much because of that reason about my son, but what I probably would say is at this moment in time is that the circus that gone 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.
Owen Farrell had his ban for the red card overturned earlier this week, meaning he was free to play in the game against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow. However, he was not included in the matchday squad by England head coach Steve Borthwick.
As well as that, World Rugby have now appealed the overturning of card, meaning he could yet face a ban heading into next month's Rugby World Cup.
Rugby: Rassie Erasmus full of praise for Andy Farrell comments
Andy Farrell has received a huge amount of praise for the way he has conducted himself during his time with Ireland, and while yesterday's comments were unlike him, few will criticise him for defending his son in a public forum.
In fact, one prominent rugby figure has come out in defence of him.
Rassie Erasmus took to social media this afternoon to praise the way Andy Farrell handled the situation, also singing his virtues as a coach.
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
Just my opinion: Andy Farrell 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.
That is a sentiment that many people will share. Erasmus could well find himself working with Farrell in the near future, having been linked with return to Irish Rugby in recent days.
The questions surrounding Owen Farrell and a potential Rugby World Cup ban are likely to continue over the coming days as the appeal process is undertaken, although the Ireland head coach will by fully concentrated on his own team ahead of the tournament in France.
Following on from tomorrow's game against England, they will play one final warmup against Samoa before their opening their campaign against Romania on September 9th.
SEE ALSO: Nigel Owens Fears Owen Farrell Saga Sets Worrying Precedent
