In the realm of English rugby, where legends are made and captains are born, one name stands out above the rest – Owen Farrell. Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped men’s player, recently voiced his admiration for Farrell, hailing him as the best captain he had the privilege to play under during his illustrious 13-year career with the national team.
Youngs, the seasoned scrum-half, took to the field at four Rugby World Cups, and it was alongside Farrell, as his captain, during two of these momentous tournaments. Now, in the wake of his retirement from international rugby, Youngs had nothing but glowing praise for his former teammate and leader.
At the age of 34, Youngs had the opportunity to play under more than half a dozen England captains, but it was Farrell who left an indelible mark on him. He described Farrell as a “fantastic man” and emphasized the unparalleled commitment that Farrell brought to the role of captaincy. According to Youngs, everything Farrell did was geared towards the betterment of the team and himself, a testament to his unwavering dedication to England rugby.
Looking back at their journey together, Youngs recalled their run to the Rugby World Cup final four years ago, where England was ultimately defeated by South Africa. This was a pivotal moment in their partnership, as Farrell led the team from the centers, while Youngs commanded the scrum-half position. It was a hard-fought battle, and although they fell short, it marked a significant chapter in their shared history.
Fast forward to Youngs’ 127th and final appearance for England, where they secured a bronze medal at the World Cup in France. This memorable achievement was a testament to the enduring partnership of Youngs and Farrell, with Steve Borthwick, a former England captain, as their head coach.
During this tournament, Owen Farrell etched his name into the annals of rugby history by becoming England’s all-time record points scorer, surpassing the legendary Jonny Wilkinson’s career tally of 1,179 points. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Farrell, as he faced criticism and even boos from some supporters, especially in the wake of a suspension for a dangerous tackle during a warm-up match against Wales.
Youngs was vocal in denouncing the unfair treatment Farrell received, deeming it “totally unacceptable.” He expressed his disappointment that a player of Farrell’s caliber and dedication had to endure such negativity. To Youngs, Farrell’s contributions to his country, both on and off the field, deserved celebration and recognition.
In closing, Ben Youngs shared his heartfelt sentiments, emphasizing that Owen Farrell should be treasured and celebrated as both a remarkable person and an exceptional player for England. His words serve as a reminder of the enduring impact that great leaders and sportsmen can have, transcending the boundaries of the game. Owen Farrell’s legacy, as seen through the eyes of his former teammate, is one that should resonate with fans and admirers of rugby worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Owen Farrell England Captain
Question: Who is Ben Youngs and what did he say about Owen Farrell?
Answer: Ben Youngs is England’s most-capped men’s rugby player with a 13-year career. He praised Owen Farrell as the best captain he played under, highlighting Farrell’s dedication to England and the team’s success.
