Jamie George passionately defends Owen Farrell in powerful interview | Big Jim Show

[@mattg6902]

I’ve heard of Owen farrell He is 112 capped the highest point scorer for England and played for b&i lions A wonderful talent who never sold his soul to the media It’s disgraceful that someone with his talent and winning record has decided that it’s not worth it anymore, Playing him out of position at international level but still reaching a World Cup final and semi final shows just how good he is. I still would bet he will be the lions out half and rightfully so They boo one of the greatest out halves in history British & Irish Lions 1× Test Series Win: 2013 1× Test Series Draw: 2017 1× Test Series runner-up: 2021 England Rugby World Cup / Webb Ellis Cup Silver Medal: 2019 Bronze Medal: 2023 3× Six Nations Championship: 2016, 2017, 2020 1 x Grand Slam 2016 3× Triple Crown: 2014, 2016, 2020 6× Calcutta Cup: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020 2× Summer Internationals Tour Wins: 2016, 2022 1× Autumn Nations Cup: 2020 Saracens 6× Premiership Rugby: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023 1× RFU Championship: 2021 3× European Rugby Champions Cup: 2016, 2017, 2019 Individual 2× European Player of the Year: 2017, 2018 [74] 3× World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year Nominations: 2012, 2016, 2017 I’ve heard of Leon ( the film) by Luke besson, great film maker I’ve heard of Leon the pig farmer but I’ve never heard of Leon Edwards ? He must try harder

[@ianbermingham9047]

Still ah dirty fuckin tackler on the field ,

[@peaky1983]

Well f**king said!! Love him as a person and a Rugby player. Have met him many times.

[@Johnsull1965ish]

If you're reading this, Owen. Can I say that the reason I watch Rugby is to experience the pure talent that you and your fellow players bring to the pitch every time you tog-out, regardless of which Club or Country you represent. All I can say is that the next 6 Nations is going to be much poorer because of your absence. Very much looking forward to seeing you back on the pitch soon for England and The Lions. Huge respect from a Munster and Irish Supporter.

[@Duggytripitier07]

It’s a shame because he / a lot of sportsman probably don’t use KZbin, only the likes of instagram and twitter these days.

[@harrydennis6854]

Always got love for Owen as an England and Sarries fan. The level of respect every player who spends any time with him, has for him tells you all you need to know about his character

[@PaulBaksy]

As a scotsman this guy should be seen as a hero.guys a class act,dont get this at all

[@davelewis7098]

Thankyou fellas !! it's amazing how hypocritical people can be without achieving anything themselves !! My thoughts go out to anyone suffering this torment !! GOD BLESS us all

[@mattg6902]

lets face it if owen farrell was welsh there would be a bronze statue of him outside the principality stadium

[@tobolee6385]

Lol ..he wouldn't even make a southern hemisphere team ..

[@Gilescowdemdem]

2nd highest point scorer ever behind dan carter. Captain of the most successful club in english rugby Captain england to a WC final and semi. Ford/farrell most dominant combo of 10/12 in english rugby for a generation 2 red cards in 250 appearances

[@ianbermingham9047]

Still ah dirty tackler on the pitch 🙄

[@graemepaton3881]

Definitely one of the main influencers who brought a rugby league hardness and professional mentallity to rugby union which definitely helped the England national team. Nobody can deny his talent over the years as a rugby player. The constant bickering however at referees and overstepping the mark with his tackling technique did not help him gain many fans. As a Scotland fan i appreciated his skills but not the other stuff. Actually met him once in Edinburgh and he took time out to chat although briefly and he seemed a really decent guy I just think he is an out and out winner and his competitiveness got the better of him sometimes on the pitch. Good luck to him and his family

[@thabanimashego5825]

Loftus!! My hometown!!!

[@timwannell6477]

God bless Faz. LEGEND

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

Never won the RWC🏆😃

[@warrenvanaswegen8565]

Jonny Wilkinson was the best English player def. not Farrel

[@Mimeniia]

Correct, the one with Saffa DNA XD

[@mattg6902]

farrell still has four years and apart from world cup winner he has won far more than wilkinson

[@nickdaley8935]

Why the fuck would he want to play for fans who boo him when he's always given everything for any team he's played for?

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Exactly.

[@dananderson6342]

I see Farrell as a Roy Keane like figure but for Rugby: fierce competitor, hated by rival fans and some contemparies but mostly respected within player circles, iron will to win and frankly a hell of a player to boot.

[@vuyaniman9440]

He is competitive, he is confident and does give that “ i don’t give a F “ attitude. That doesn’t help. The sad part is that his home fan’s don’t always have his back.. with Sexton for example, when he misbehaved, his fans still backed him, even Biggar.. every one needs to chill out.

[@hamishfleetwood4386]

All high preforming sport players need a break. Just to have some time to reflect, rest and freshen up. He’ll come back stronger without a doubt

[@waynerockman1242]

Owen as well as Sexton's behaviour is rather terrible to say the least.....not very good examples. I really think they can learn from the likes of Siya and Sam Cane

[@nickmoran3236]

Owen Farrell is one hell of a competitor. He is utterly uncompromising in his pursuit of victory - and for some reason that rubs people up the wrong way. For me it makes him the exceptional player that he is. I hope this break brings him back refreshed and ready to kick on to RWC27

[@waynerockman1242]

So uncompromising that he even back chats the ref at times, shows dissent openly. He cost his team 10m in the semis against the Boks. You get the sense he like Sexton are bigger than the game

[@patrickchilds2987]

​@waynerockman1242 Wow rugby captain in falls foul of ref in game after questioning decision shocker and you think that is dissent ? You realise that questioning and influencing the ref is part of the role ? Name a captain who doesn't question refs decisions? Then name me another who has never fallen foul of a ref in a game . Yes Sexton and Farrell do seem to have similar qualities, they are very competitive and driven like many elite sportsman. Interesting how both are very private people and don't interview outside of there com duties how you think they think of themselves as above the sport .How exactly ?

[@waynerockman1242]

@@patrickchilds2987 Have you seen Siya Kolisi fallen foul of the ref yet??. Sexton and Farrell have shown dissent and that's what im talking about and that on international tv. Not very good examples. In some sporting codes you get reprimanded for showing dissent

[@patrickchilds2987]

​@waynerockman1242 I think you are confusing questioning a refs decision and dissent.Arguibg calls is a captains job .At no point has Farrell been accused of dissent . Sexton was involved in an altercation with the ref at the European Championship final as a spectator and fined for dissent How is that the same thing? I have no idea if Kolisi has ever run foul of a ref in a game , he seems like a decent guy but it happens. Most refs speak highly of Farrell so are you judging him on a rwc semi ? Most captains have fallen would of refs . Why is Farrell more guilty then them ?

[@waynerockman1242]

@@patrickchilds2987 Have you watched in pressure games the way they, Owen and Sexton , at times speak to the ref. Are you blind or something??

[@theoutlier9053]

I hate the way Owen gets treated. He's a great, passionate player and I hope he comes back stronger.

[@henryb160]

@Big Jim. C'mon pal, we saw your reaction when Andy Goode went out of his way to pedal the lie that OF was fighting with and bullying an England team mate. You weren't easy with it. That much was obvious. You need to get your pal AG to apologise for his role in upseting Farrell and disrupting the entire England set up.

[@MiniMatthew]

I've never understood the hate, honestly. Makes zero sense to me.

[@Titanium-tu3sp]

Is there a clip anywhere on this incident

[@farmerwright]

I don't think its just social media, maybe some of the hate but the negativity comes from England fans, mostly grumpy middle-aged men, out of shape and riddled with jealousy. After a few beers all that defeatism just pours out of them. Some of them don't even want us to win, they need something to complain about. Wayne Rooney was booed for England football team, he was no slouch either. If England fans want success they need to be more supportive/positive and humble.

[@philbarrance]

There is no justification for any criticism of owen outside rugby (and certainly his family is out of bounds) but are we now not allowed to pass opinion on his playing or captaincy because this smacks of cancel culture! We are, i am afraid, allowed to and are going to, criticise his inability to tackle legally and if we feel his play has gone stale the answer is to perhaps play smith or ford at ten put owen on the bench and see how things go england are just not exciting the fans or winning the matches and if the rfu want folk to buy into the sport then bloody entertain us

[@eddiel7635]

You’re allowed to talk shit if you like but at the end of the day I’d much rather have him tackling at 10 then any other 10 in world rugby.

[@mattg6902]

" criticise his inability to tackle legally"..........what a moronic statement. he gets a tiny proportion of his tackles wrong out of the thousands he does well

[@paulmulryne8405]

He gets his tackle height wrong too often. Other than that, he's a really good player. I don't like the personal stuff and try and take the attitude that if I wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it from behind a keyboard.

[@philbarrance]

@@eddiel7635 so any criticism of him is shit yeh? basically what you are saying is only your opinion is fair, correct? because i dont rate farrell as highly as you i must be talking shit? how many times has he been carded or penalised for his tackle technique? i would suggest more than average

[@eddiel7635]

@@philbarrance the bigger question is why are you so bothered by it? The red he got before the World Cup wouldn’t have been a red by the end of the World Cup. More importantly how many times has he stopped an attack because his defence is so solid at 10. He’s the best defensive 10 in the world and he’s the best attacking 10 in England. And by that I mean, he facilitates the attacking potential of the team better than anyone else. Plus he can control a game better than any other 10 in the UK. Those are the facts that matter.

[@alexanderweideman324]

As a South African supporter, i don't like him at all. That means his doing a good job on the field. Yes, he's arrogant. Yes, i would love to kick his ass. But that's his job !!!!! England fans need to back their players, and it's a disgrace to see his own people Boo him thats a disgrace at a very high level. A real supporter criticizes, then builds a bridge and gets over it and moves on.

[@PvC63-Jan]

Two things on this ; 1- you keep up on acting like he does WILL get the response that was given and 2 ; most of this was and still is emotional responses. I agree that nobody should be abused like this especially his family but the ball is in his hands. Act according to the ethos of the game. NOBODY is bigger than the game. Hope they stay safe!

[@johnrichards4097]

I assume English is not your first language. Have tried to read your post a number of times “ I don’t agree that nobody should be abused like this especially his family” - does this mean that you agree that he and his family should not be abused? How does he act which is not in keeping with the ethos of the game? And if he doesn’t then it’s ok to abuse his family? How is he bigger than the game? And what does that even mean? I don’t believe you have ever played the game. All those who have played with him and have nothing but respect. And even though I haven’t I would have loved to. A great player, competitor and leader.

[@PvC63-Jan]

@@johnrichards4097 it is not my first language. You are correct and thank you for your understanding. Please read it again? I have edited it and you should be able to understand it now. I have not played at that level so you are wrong in your assumptions about me. I also said I hope they are safe if you took the time to read it to the end. I have to add this part-If you have not noticed how many times he shouted at his own team mates, the other team and the ref I strongly suggest you open your eyes when you watch a game. His high and dangerous tackles are there for all to see. I really hope this will clarify my first posting. I can speak two other languages as well. Cheers mate-nobody is bigger than rugby!

[@mattg6902]

"I can speak two other languages as well" ...............yup, you speak gibberish and fuckwittery really well!

[@taiyah_byron]

Taking a career break is not new. Good on him. But his attitude and behaviour on the field, towards players and referees in the domestic arena is well below the standards set by Carter and Wilkinson. One shouldn't forget, he's the captain of the Sarries team who got caught topping up players' business ventures and interests.

[@henryb160]

Naughty, naughty, naughty! You're implying that OF was involved in the contract business at Sarries. You're a sly, slimy, little turd....Just sayin' like.

[@patrickchilds2987]

I don’t get what you’re saying? It’s clear that you don’t like Farrell and that is absolutely fine. But when did being competitive and aggressive become a character flaws for an elite rugby player ? Seems to me you are making some big assumptions about someone you don’t know based I’m guessing on seeing him in a game. I’m guessing too you haven’t played much rugby and so don’t understand the dynamics of a team and a captains role within it. Questioning refs is part of his job as captain and playmaker as well as ordering or berating his own or opposing players. It’s normal and happens in every team in every game. This probably explains why Farrell seems to be liked and respected within the international rugby community amongst the players, refs and coaches who know him and disliked by certain fans who have never met him. Why you think comparing him with two retired players who played in a different rugby era without the scrutiny that modern television coverage allows as well the pressures of media platforms and social media attention is at all relevant or valid. I get you don’t like Farrell what has his captaincy of Saracens have to do with the clubs breaching the salary cap ? Do you really believe that Farrell negotiated players salaries, property dealings and image right valuations? 😂😂😂

[@phillipearmstrong5510]

I got wot Ur saying but wot do u think when SA or the All blacks play bad ? People have hi expectations cos we have the biggest playing bace of rugby players in the world

[@TheDylando]

This man is loved by every player to share the pitch with him. People have a sh!t perception of him because he had some luck with referees and administrators over the years. He has no control over those things.

[@dcs4880]

As a neutral, it's always so surprising hearing people say they don't understand why Owen is disliked...that they just can't wrap their head around it. Really? You have no idea why he is disliked internationally? It's because of how he plays the game. He doesn't say anything bad off camera, he comes across well in interviews...he's perfectly likeable off the field, but people don't like him because of how he behaves on the field. An example, of just one thing he does that makes him hard to like, is how often he celebrates in the face of an opponent and often celebrating a mistake the opposition has made rather than something good England has done. You don't see Siya Kolisi screaming in a downed opponents face when the Springboks are awarded a penalty...if he did he wouldn't be as likeable...not complicated. It's the same reason England in general are so disliked as a team...they celebrate things they shouldn't be taking credit for, they're poor losers with no class (perfect example is them refusing to wear runner up medals in 2019 - did you see a single all black do that in 2023?). Owen is also generally a dirty player...loves to hold jerseys, tackle high with no arms, often puts in cheap shots...it's really not a big mystery as to why he is disliked. If he wants to play like that fine...but then deal with being disliked and stop whining.

[@Grumpy_Hobbit]

Which professional player are you talking about or are you just a mindless sheep bleating the same clueless whinny shit that is just pathetic online abuse form nobodies. Because anyone that knows how to play the game at a high level has nothing but respect and the only people crying are couch potatoes that have never played but think they are experts because they subscribe to a sports channel.

[@patrickchilds2987]

It seems that most criticism on Farrell by certain fans is their perception of what they see of him in a game. Your criticism of Farrell is based on your view as a fan who has his own view of the game. and not as a player let alone an elite players captaining his country. You mention his behaviour on the pitch, certainly he has rubbed up refs the wrong way in some games but so do other rugby captains or players. But as a captain that’s his job to question decisions? What’s wrong with that ? Farrell may not be very subtle about it but captains do it. Sledging and swearing at opponents ? What’s wrong with that ? Sledging has always been part of rugby ? Take your skirt off and pack down in any scrum and you will hear sledging. Players tackled or bundled into touch will frequently get verbals. Cheering small victories is a common sports psychology technique for players, many teams also do it, you just choose to ignore that. Certainly I have seen England forwards often do it , I haven’t seen Farrell do it, but even if he does so what ? This sanitised ideal you have of rugby, is in your head , it doesn’t exist, I don’t think it ever has. Rugby players swear, they sledge, they will try to gain any advantage if they can.That is the reality. As for not wearing their finalist medals, so what ? Who cares ? Finalists are only obliged by the organisers to collect their medals, and it’s up to them if they decide to wear them or not. In previous RWC’s, losing finalists have rarely worn their medals and but for some reason for people like you it’s even a thing. How entitled are you to criticise a team or player for not wearing his finalist medal just because you wanted them to ? Im not even English but even I can see pathetic your being . Im Irish, neutral and happy to play devils advocate on Farrell. You are just generalising on your perception of Farrells behaviour in a game ignoring the fact that these are common place in the game. Personally I like Farrell, he is competitive and abrasive and perhaps lacks the charm of his father. Ireland have had the upper hand over England for a while now but they are a team we like to play and beat. But in terms of rugby England are not a team we dislike. Watching how the teams mixed after we won the 6Nations in Dublin and how they stayed on the pitch to congratulate Irelands win they seem ok to me . Farrell is also seemingly well regarded and liked by many of the Irish players, Sexton, Earls, Aki, POM who got to know him touring with the lions. I think I will take their word on him than yours . As he hasn’t commented or responded on stepping away from England in this years Six Nations since the announcement, the only person whining is you.😂😂😂

[@10gimp39]

Owen has inspired my son from an early age to play rugby and still does inspire him today as a 17 year old who has pride in representing his school

[@garethscott9051]

Leave him alone FFS he is a superb player anx doesn't deserve the crap thats talked about him. Look at your other options all sh1te

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

Since Owen Farrell is such a 'tough guy', let's see him have a 1 on 1 with Leon Edwards😃 I'd pay to see that.

[@johnrichards4097]

I remember playing in the army against some martial artists who were all so tough in the ring. Got them On a rugby field and they were running away. So don’t mix sports. A pointless post. And one of the amoebas that have let to us being without Owen for the six nations.

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

@@johnrichards4097 😂😂And which army was that?

[@johnrichards8382]

⁠ it was the British army. I was a squaddie in Aldershot. Went on to play for the Army at the age of 19. He was a lance jack and a black belt.

[@lastmanstanding9389]

How about you go 1 on 1 with Leon Edwards , big mouth?

[@mattg6902]

leon who?

[@donuttime2507]

Its his consistent high no arm tackles that go unpunished that gets everyone hating....He's made a rod for his own back imo.

[@carpusbarsum]

This is a false narrative. His stats on yellow and red cards don't bear this out, The one in 2018 against the boks was a perfect legit tackle even though the Saffers have made it such a cause celebre.

[@andrewjones8420]

Anyone who can't support a giant of the game, that has given and dedicated so much, should take a long hard look in the mirror. Especially, if you are English or Lions. I don't see irish bashing Sexton or the Scottish harassing Fynn, the opposite in fact. What is wrong with some people?

[@rugbywindow]

One of my least favorite players. But man, do I respect him. He absolutely should take a break if needs to. So mmay industries the people are overworked, and rugby is no different.

[@mattg6902]

"One of my least favorite players. But man, do I respect him"............gibberish!

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Still can't tackle, whines way too much, and doesn't do himself any favours with his attitude. I have no issue with people being abrasive, but then you lose the right to whine when others are abrasive towards you. That's the give and take of life.

[@henryb160]

Of course he can tackle..Can you? I very much doubt it.

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

@@henryb160Let me clarify, since you seem incapable of drawing a straight line from just ' cant tackle'. He can't tackle LEGALLY. Understand it now? Or do you need illustrations?

[@henryb160]

@@LittleBigMediaCo Let me "clarify" for" you, dummkopf. He's put in hundreds of tackles in hundreds of games and been red carded twice. That stat demonstrates he can and does tackle legally. Obviously deduction from fact isn't a factor in your reasoning.

[@mikelambrou4462]

⁠@@LittleBigMediaCocomplete and utter nonsense. Do you actually watch any rugby or just like to join in with a pile on because it somehow makes you feel big? 112 caps and nearly 250 games for Saracens and apparently he can’t tackle legally, pathetic.

[@patrickchilds2987]

As Farrell hasn’t commented at all since his decision to step,away from England rugby for the 6 nations he can hardly be accused of whining. Seems to me your the one having a cry about it 😂😂😂

[@warrenvanaswegen8565]

Take some time off and learn to tackle.

[@tobolee6385]

Owen who ??? Never heard about him in southern hemisphere....like o Driscoll..overated and only big in Northern hemisphere media ....

[@TheDylando]

So many ignorant comments. O'Driscoll might be the best 13 ever, I'm South African. Amazing how people can watch the same sport and come to two completely different conclusions

[@tobolee6385]

@TheDylando danie gerber best centre ever .

[@patrickchilds2987]

If you’ve never heard of him why do you think he is overrated? 😂😂

[@Bennusan1]

I hope Owen takes some time to reflect on how his behaviour can influence how fans and the media react to him. I'm sure he's passionate etc, but that's no excuse to behave like a petulant child on the field.

[@sebastiandavis4696]

And here we have an example of the exact kind of twattery that's impacted his decision...

[@limbothytimothy]

You're part of the problem. Le Roux cheered in the faces of English players, Biggar and Sexton have had hissy fits at referees and opposition players multiple times, but almost all fans accept that these people are fiercely competitive and in the heat of battle do and say stupid stuff, and move on with it. Not with Farrell. He seems to get an absurdly high level of abuse which just isn't fair, in my opinion. This is the second highest scoring player in Test rugby, and an all-time England and Lions great who is only spoken about highly by his fellow players and coaches. The amount of disrespect is utterly appalling, especially from England fans

[@Bennusan1]

@@limbothytimothy Some A-grade whattaboutism there. I'm not a Farrell fan, but I wish him no ill. I just think he needs to consider the fact that his behaviour also influences how he's treated. That's one of the reasons Le Roux, Biggar and Sexton get's a lot of stick where I'm from. We need to be able to have some nuanced discussions about this. I don't think that makes me "part of the problem".

[@nickbridgman6701]

It's people like you mate who should reflect . He's done nothing wrong but a high tackle and he gets crucify for it . Shame on you.

[@Bennusan1]

@@nickbridgman6701 Nick. Please. You've not been paying attention.

[@bulltraderpt]

Abuse is of course, unacceptable however, let's have a bit of balance here. Owen Farrell, would you employ him as a tackle coach i.e. to tackle correctly?

[@Rugbyhead1998]

I’d employ him over you

[@bulltraderpt]

Not the question was it? And as you don't want to answer, you know what his highlight reel is. as do the rest of the world. @@Rugbyhead1998

[@mattg6902]

yes i would, he does thousands of tackles really well and gets one wrong now and again

[@TheDylando]

Actually yes. Which 10 in world rugby makes more dominant tackles? Players that make dominant tackles get them wrong sometimes, part of the game

[@zworm2]

Can't stand the heat? Get out of the kitchen!

[@theoutlier9053]

Such a clueless statement

[@mattg6902]

i'm not in the kitchen

[@zworm2]

If you play Rugby at top level you have your critics. I know Big Jim did, George does too. It goes with the territory. Live with it! Farrell made his lot worse with his antics and behavior. @@theoutlier9053

[@zworm2]

Then I guess you cannot stand the heat! Shame, I always could!@@mattg6902

[@MrPiccolop]

What the eff is all this?? He's a grown man!! He can take it. Ffs can people not coddle him. He can figure his own shit out. To act like this belittles him it doesn't make him stronger. Wtf. And on form George Ford would have made a big difference. Everyone knows it. Cooler heads prevail. Can someone get his 'friend' some vaseline. This is too cute. Gives a new meaning to bum chums.

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

Owen Farrell's #1 goal was to win the holy grail of rugby and that's the rugby world cup. He's had 3 attempts and he failed each time. He did make it to a final once though back in 2019. Ultimately Johnny Wilkinson is the greatest #10 England have produced. Owen Farrell is a thug and dirtbag who gets away with illegal tackles and random assaults on opposition players on the pitch. Good riddance😃

[@johnrichards4097]

Criticism is not thing but a thug and a dirtbag? Go somewhere else and waste your time. If anybody is those it’s you with a post like that.

[@garywagner2466]

Owen is a thug. His behaviour finally caught up to him. Boo Hoo.

[@KennaVermaak]

Kant watte kan tackle nie

[@ghotio1927]

are there any non posh english rugby players ?

[@billymarlene380]

Here’s how it works. You show talent, you are awarded a sports scholarship at a rugby playing school, you skip university, you fight competitively for a place in a club academy, you work your arse off for a few years hoping to avoid injury, you gradually make your name to be on the bench then play for the first team, then sweat on an international place. Ask Ellis Genge or Kyle Sinckler - you know……the posh boys.