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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Owen Farrell opens up on his Lions return, social media ‘poison' and new-found perspective
Many a young British traveller claims to have found themselves during a year abroad; perhaps Owen Farrell really has. It is a Monday evening in Melbourne, and Farrell is sitting at Marvel Stadium as a British and Irish Lions captain, a situation that feels remarkable given his initial omission from the tour party. It may only be the midweek meeting with the First Nations & Pasifika XV for which Farrell has been installed as skipper but across an illuminating half-hour, the qualities that have made him such a valuable late addition become perfectly clear. The focus, the winning edge, the emphasis on the team – they do not come as a surprise. The joviality and a willingness to open up about a tricky 18 months? That's rather more unexpected. This is, of course, a figure known for being publicly more taciturn than talkative, as guarded an individual as one will come across in rugby. But as he bares sections of his soul, and cracks jokes about the antics of his Canberra roommate Henry Pollock, this is a different Farrell – one, pleasingly, in a far better headspace than the player who stepped away from England duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 'I just got asked to come on tour and I thought I'd love to,' Farrell explains. 'I went and did something different for a while, and I'm coming back now, but it was just where I was at the time and the opportunity that was there. I wanted to take it and I'm glad I'm here. Farrell was in a surprisingly open mood after answering a call-up to the Lions (Getty) 'I appreciated my time in France. It obviously didn't go well and I was injured for a large period of it but I don't regret it. I'm happy with being back. There's loads left in me and I'm just determined to enjoy it. I'm really enjoying this tour.' Ostensibly, the playmaker is here to talk about tomorrow's tour encounter, but he and all involved are aware of the questions likely to come. It is the first time that the 33-year-old has spoken at length since being summoned after the injury to Elliot Daly, a call that plenty in rugby expected to come but still met with plenty of noise. Farrell junior fielded his father's call while on the golf course celebrating the testimonial of old Saracens chum Jackson Wray – 'it was his testimonial about four years ago, but he still had a golf day', Farrell quips. Having snuck away from playing partner Alex Goode, the decision to accept the call-up came quickly, despite a sabbatical from England duty that is still, technically, ongoing. He arrived here not laden with an expectation of earning a Test shirt but simply to do his best for the team. Naturally, the drive to be the best never dims but Farrell himself concedes that he is touring with a different mindset than how he'd have dealt with this situation five years ago. 'I think the most important thing is that I come here, be myself, help and then see where that goes,' he says. 'And genuinely, I'm not saying that but don't mean it. I mean it. We'll see what happens.' Farrell intends to enjoy every minute of the Australia tour (PA) Several times he is pressed on a possible England return; several times he gently brushes it away. A move back to Saracens after his struggles with Racing 92 will again make him available to Steve Borthwick – with three English fly-halves on tour in Australia, but new centurion George Ford in as good a form as any of them, big decisions loom. That discussion can wait, though, for Farrell has not fully made up his mind what comes next. What he knows, though, is that he is enjoying his rugby deeply in Australia, having joined a select group of four-time tourists. Tuesday's match in Melbourne will be his 20th in Lions red – for a squad short of those who have experienced a proper tour, the acuity accumulated is invaluable. Farrell is clear, though, that his goal is to make the most of his time in Australia. Farrell will captain the Lions against the First Nations & Pasifika XV (Getty) How does he do that? 'Take it for what it is,' he suggests. 'Have some perspective. There are obviously a lot of external factors that can creep in but ultimately, it's up to me how I am. Making sure I'm looking after myself, making sure I'm giving myself a break at times. 'I'm not someone who needs revving up too much. It's normally the other way of coming back down and relaxing. So having some perspective and making sure I look after myself in that way will, I think, lead to me being more myself.' It is encouraging to hear Farrell talk in such terms after stepping away from the international arena to prioritise his mental wellbeing in November of 2023. Again, though, his call-up for this trip was met with a reaction beyond that which would have been received by any other player. Does Farrell understand why he generates such strong opinions in each direction? 'Not really.' What does he make of the social media praise and criticism? 'Both are a poison. The good and the bad. That's not to say that it's all bad, but the things that should matter to me and should matter to us as players are the people that matter to us. Farrell: 'I think the most important thing is that I come here, be myself, help and then see where that goes' (Getty) 'If you go and knock on someone's door and ask them their opinion of how you played at the weekend, you wouldn't really listen to their answer. The people that I think we should listen to are the proper rugby people. Your mates. Not to say people will just pat you on the back, you know that you have people who will tell you how it is but they'll give you a real answer. I think if you do that and you're in a good place yourself, then you can deal with it.'
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Lions close in on unprecedented 100% tour success
The Lions are only two games away from taking a 100% winning record back home from Henry Pollock said last week that he and his team-mates are targetting a Test series whitewash to stake their claim for being the "best Lions team ever".No Lions team has ever won every game on a tour before. Even the legendary 'Invincibles' of 1974, drew their 22nd and final match on an epic trip around South course, the 1974 Lions might also argue that also in their favour is the fact they didn't lose a pre-Tour warm-up either.
Extra.ie
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Watch: Lions fans slam 'stupid' Pollock after igniting fight
The British and Irish Lions just about got the job done on Tuesday after narrowly beating First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 in Melbourne. Leinster back Jamie Osborne was one of the highlights in a lacklustre performance after scoring two tries in his first Lions appearance. However, there was a brief moment in the first-half that caught fans' eyes when England's Henry Pollock found himself in a pushing and shoving match with FNP's second try-scorer Seru Uru. Henry Pollock's antics got mixed reactions on social media. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile The WWE-style fight was very much ignited by the Lions man but fans believe there was a bit of regret in his eyes before he was wiped out by the Fijian-born Australian flanker. Fans took to social media to slam Henry over his 'childish' antics that led to him getting thrown to the floor. One fan wrote: 'I know who I fancy in a scrap and it isn't the posh 20 year old public school boy.' Another added: 'Lucky the referee was there to stop Pollock getting taught a real lesson.' A third commented: 'Sooner or later Pollock is going to be laid out. That boy consistently bites off more than he can chew. To loosely quote Top Gun: 'His ego is writing cheques his body can't cash'. Tick tick on that.' Yet another said: 'Pollock yet to learn an important life lesson, no matter how hard you think you are there's always someone harder out there.' Henry Pollock and Sere Uru getting to know each other a little better 😅 — Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 22, 2025 However, it wasn't all negativity being thrown at the young player online. One supporter shared: 'The comments are embarrassing. You are meant to support your team.' Another remarked: 'There was a moment in that schmozzle where Pollock's life literally flashed before his eyes. In fairness to him, after the initial shock, he doubled down and fought back.' There was a TMO review of the incident but the referee decided that a lecture was enough for the pair of them.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Lions star Henry Pollock and Aussie Sere Uru create unexpected off field spark after brutal 48 point defeat
Lions star Henry Pollock and Aussie Sere Uru create unexpected off field spark after brutal 48 point defeat (Image Via X) An interesting thing is happening in rugby these days. Two players, Henry Pollock and Sere Uru, are spending more time together. But what is behind this connection? The story began in July 2025, when both played in a big match in Australia. No one expected them to become close so fast. Readers might wonder: who are they? Why now? Something important is moving slowly. Keep reading to find out. Henry Pollock and Sere Uru first meet during Adelaide Oval rugby clash On July 12, 2025, at Adelaide Oval, Henry Pollock of the British & Irish Lions and Sere Uru from a combined Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV shared the field for the first time. Pollock, just 20 years old, scored a try and made big plays that helped his team win 48–0. Sere Uru meanwhile showed hard work, making strong tackles and showing respect for his opponent. They met after the game, exchanged jerseys, and spoke on the field for the first time. Henry Pollock said, 'He's a great player, I enjoyed sharing the pitch with him,' in an interview at the stadium. Sere Uru replied, 'That kid's got real talent, good to meet him.' Both spoke clearly about enjoying their first real chat and promised to stay in contact. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo Henry Pollock and Sere Uru training plans after surprise connection in Australia Both players came from different paths. Henry Pollock began with Northampton Saints and rose through England's age‑grade teams. He played for England's U20 side in July 2024 and was chosen for the Lions tour. Sere Uru has had a strong rugby career with the Australian Super Rugby club and was invited to play for the special XV in mid‑July 2025. Their meeting in Adelaide Oval opened the door for friendship and mutual respect. Both have agreed to train together during the off‑season in August 2025, swapping tips on tackling, positioning, and speed. Henry Pollock commented after training: 'There's so much I can learn from him,' while Sere Uru said, 'He's full of energy, that lifts you up.' These simple words show they see real value in each other's skill. Their plan is to meet again before their next matches, to keep growing together. Also Read: 'If He Fires, It Changes The Game': Shaun Pollock Calls Rohit Sharma's Revival The 'Coolest' Resurgence In IPL FAQs 1. When did Henry Pollock and Sere Uru meet on the field? They met during a match on July 12, 2025, at Adelaide Oval. 2. Are Henry Pollock and Sere Uru training together now? Yes, they plan to train together during the off-season in August 2025. 3. What teams do Henry Pollock and Sere Uru play for? Henry Pollock plays for Northampton Saints and the British & Irish Lions, while Sere Uru plays for a Super Rugby team in Australia. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The Independent
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Owen Farrell opens up on his Lions return, social media ‘poison' and new-found perspective
Many a young British traveller claim to have found themselves during a year abroad; perhaps Owen Farrell really has. It is a Monday evening in Melbourne and Farrell is sat at Marvel Stadium as a British and Irish Lions captain, a situation that feels remarkable given his initial omission from the tour party. It may only be the midweek meeting with the First Nations & Pasifika XV for which Farrell has been installed as skipper but across an illuminating half-hour, the qualities that have made him such a valuable late addition become perfectly clear. The focus, the winning edge, the emphasis on the team – they do not come as a surprise. The joviality and a willingness to open up about a tricky 18 months? That's rather more unexpected. This is, of course, a figure known for being publicly more taciturn than talkative, as guarded an individual as one will come across in rugby. But as he bares sections of his soul, and cracks jokes about the antics of his Canberra roommate Henry Pollock, this is a different Farrell – one, pleasingly, in a far better head space than the player who stepped away from England duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 'I just got asked to come on tour and I thought I'd love to,' Farrell explains. 'I went and did something different for a while, and I'm coming back now, but it was just where I was at the time and the opportunity that was there. I wanted to take it and I'm glad I'm here. 'I appreciated my time in France. It obviously didn't go well and I was injured for a large period of it but I don't regret it. I'm happy with being back. There's loads left in me and I'm just determined to enjoy it. I'm really enjoying this tour.' Ostensibly the playmaker is here to talk about tomorrow's tour encounter, but he and all involved are aware of the questions likely to come. It is the first time that the 33-year-old has spoken at length since being summoned after the injury to Elliot Daly, a call that plenty in rugby expected to come but still met with plenty of noise. Farrell junior fielded his father's call while on the golf course celebrating the testimonial of old Saracens chum Jackson Wray – 'it was his testimonial about four years ago, but he still had a golf day,' Farrell quips. Having snuck away from playing partner Alex Goode, the decision to accept the call-up came quickly, despite a sabbatical from England duty that is still, technically, ongoing. He arrived here not laden with an expectation of earning a Test shirt but simply to do his best for the team. Naturally, the drive to be the best never dims but Farrell himself concedes that he is touring with a different mindset to how he'd have dealt with this situation five years ago. 'I think the most important thing is that I come here be myself, help and then see where that goes,' he says. 'And genuinely, I'm not saying that but don't mean it. I mean it. We'll see what happens.' Several times he is pressed on a possible England return; several times he gently brushes it away. A move back to Saracens after his struggles with Racing 92 will again make him available to Steve Borthwick – with three English fly halves on tour in Australia but new centurion George Ford in as good a form as any of them, big decisions loom. That discussion can wait, though, for Farrell has not fully made up his mind what comes next. What he knows, though, is that he is enjoying his rugby deeply in Australia having joined a select group of four-time tourists. Tuesday's match in Melbourne will be his 20th in Lions red – for a squad short of those who have experienced a proper tour, the acuity accumulated is invaluable. Farrell is clear, though, that his goal is to make the most of his time in Australia. How does he do that? 'Take it for what it is,' he suggests. 'Have some perspective. There are obviously a lot of external factors that can creep in but ultimately, it's up to me how I am. Making sure I'm looking after myself, making sure I'm giving myself a break at times. 'I'm not someone who needs revving up too much. it's normally the other way of coming back down and relaxing. So having some perspective and making sure I look after myself in that way will, I think, lead to me being more myself.' It is encouraging to hear Farrell talk in such terms after stepping away from the international arena to prioritise his mental well-being in November of 2023. Again, though, his call-up for this trip was met with a reaction beyond that which would have been received by any other player. Does Farrell understand why he generates such strong opinions in each direction? 'Not really.' What does he make of the social media praise and criticism? 'Both are a poison. The good and the bad. That's not to say that it's all bad, but the things that should matter to me and should matter to us as players are the people that matter to us. 'If you go and knock on someone's door and ask them their opinion of how you played at the weekend, you wouldn't really listen to their answer. The people that I think we should listen to are the proper rugby people. Your mates. Not to say people will just pat you on the back, you know that you have people who will tell you how it is but they'll give you a real answer. I think if you if you do that and you're in a good place yourself then you can deal with it.'
