Johnny Sexton has praised ‘amazing competitor’ Owen Farrell and claims he would be the greatest ever to don the green jersey – if he was Irish.
The Farrell clan currently boasts a strong Ireland connection through Owen’s dad Andy given he has been the head coach of the nation since Joe Schmidt’s departure following the 2019 World Cup.
Farrell Snr and Sexton have faced off against the England star on a number of occasion but now times have changed – Sexton has retired while Farrell is no longer in international contention after his summer move to France.
Johnny Sexton has praised ‘amazing competitor’ Owen Farrell and claims he would be the greatest ever to don the green jersey – if he was Irish. Pic: Murphy/Sportsfile
Sexton certainly had a number of heated clashes with his opposite number over the years and the pair have competed for places during their time with the Lions.
In a recent interview alongside the release of his autobiography Obsessed, the 39-year-old admitted that he would still prefer to see his old foe come in as the Lions number 10 against Australia next summer.
‘Who do you want in there when the going gets tough?’, he said in an interview with The Times. ‘Test-match animals. I know who the media would want. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith… Marcus, I think, is a generational talent.
Owen Farrell has been tipped for the Lions by Johnny Sexton. Pic: Dan Mullan – The RFU Collection via Getty Images
‘He looks flashy, but I think he manages the game really well. I think he can light up a game. But for me, I’d like Owen. He can do some remarkable things.
‘If Owen Farrell were Irish, he’d be considered the greatest player that we’ve had.
‘An amazing competitor. But for some reason he just didn’t get that [respect]. He’s one of the best team-mates I’ve ever had. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with.
Johnny Sexton has opened up on his admiration for Owen Farrell. Pic: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
‘It’s tough to see him not playing international rugby. He’s someone that should be playing international rugby still and captaining England.
‘I have nothing but admiration for him. When you know him as a person, you see the real Owen Farrell.’
Despite the so-called rivalry down the years between the two, it is clear that the former Ireland skipper has nothing but respect for his former opponent and teammate.
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