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

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

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.

White responds to comment from Connacht coach

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.”

OW “that’s 3 at the maul”

LP “ thanks, I can count”

OW “don’t be rude to me, there’s no need to be rude to me”#SARvBRI pic.twitter.com/Z1ksII9bgr

— Tony Hill (@AntonyMHill) November 26, 2023

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.”