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Six Nations statement: Tom Curry 'Tunnelgate' incident
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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.
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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.”
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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