Andy's pride in son Owen
Published Date:
10 October 2008
Andy Farrell has spoken of his immense pride after son Owen followed him into the sporting record books.
The son of Warriors great Andy became the youngest player in the history of English senior rugby union when he made his Saracens debut on Sunday, just 11 days after his 17th birthday.
That beat the previous record by a month set by tabloid favourite Danny Cipriani.
Owen's dad Andy, who made his Wigan debut aged 16, set a string of records in league at his hometown club and became Great Britain's youngest captain at the age of 21.
Andy said he couldn't be prouder that his eldest child is enjoying such early success in the 15-a-side code but stressed his studies won't be allowed to suffer.
He said: "I'm very, very proud of him. Owen has been working really hard at his rugby while also concentrating on his school work.
"He is in the gym at 6.30am before school to ensure he maintains the rugby work that's required along with his studies. His school work is just as important at this stage.
"I started playing at 16 and know what the pressures are like."
Owen came off the bench to play in Saracens' 17-26 defeat by Scarlets in the EDF Energy Cup. He played alongside his dad in a pre-season friendly and could figure in the same team as Andy in the near-future, as the ex-Wigan skipper is due back from injury within the next two weeks.
Owen's promise was evident in his junior days at Ince amateur club St Pats, where he was elevated to the team a year above his age group and made captain.
He twice led the side to National Cup glory before moving down south when his dad signed for Saracens.
Pats chairman Bill Atherton said: "We're all delighted he's doing so well."
Owen, an England Under-18s centre, has impressed Saracens coach Eddie Jones – the ex-Aussie boss – who said: "He is very mature like his father was (at the same age)."
The full article contains 349 words and appears in Wigan Observer newspaper.
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Last Updated:
10 October 2008 3:20 PM
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Source:
Wigan Observer
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Location:
Wigan