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RNZ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
I struggle to comprehend 'social media poison', Owen Farrell says
Owen Farrell of England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan, ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan / PHOTOSPORT Former England captain Owen Farrell says he does not understand the social media "poison" that often surrounds top level sport and that contributed to him walking away from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup. The 33-year-old was named by his father, British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell, as captain for Tuesday's match against a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne, after joining the tour as replacement for the injured Elliot Daly. He has not played a test since stepping back from national duty in November 2023 to prioritise his mental health, before joining French side Racing 92, returning to Saracens in June. "I understand times are different and things catch fire quicker. Things grow legs, take a life of their own, go wherever they go and there's momentum behind them. But no, I don't always understand it," Farrell told reporters on Monday, when asked about the online discourse. "Both are a poison... the good and the bad. 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." Racist abuse online forced England women's footballer Jess Carter to step away from social media on Sunday, with the defender saying she had been a target since Euro 2025 began. Farrell previously spoke out against social media abuse when he condemned the online vitriol faced by England flanker Tom Curry during the 2023 World Cup after he accused a South African opponent of abusing him during a match. "I guess the people I think we should listen to are the proper rugby people, your mates. Not that those people will just pat you on the back," Farrell said. "You have people who will tell you where it is at the same time, but they will give you a real answer. If you do that and you are in a good place yourself, then you can deal with it." -Reuters
RNZ News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
I struggle to comprehend 'social media poison', says Lions captain Owen Farrell
Owen Farrell of England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan, ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan / PHOTOSPORT Former England captain Owen Farrell says he does not understand the social media "poison" that often surrounds top level sport and that contributed to him walking away from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup. The 33-year-old was named by his father, British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell, as captain for Tuesday's match against a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne, after joining the tour as replacement for the injured Elliot Daly. He has not played a test since stepping back from national duty in November 2023 to prioritise his mental health, before joining French side Racing 92, returning to Saracens in June. "I understand times are different and things catch fire quicker. Things grow legs, take a life of their own, go wherever they go and there's momentum behind them. But no, I don't always understand it," Farrell told reporters on Monday, when asked about the online discourse. "Both are a poison... the good and the bad. 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." Racist abuse online forced England women's footballer Jess Carter to step away from social media on Sunday, with the defender saying she had been a target since Euro 2025 began. Farrell previously spoke out against social media abuse when he condemned the online vitriol faced by England flanker Tom Curry during the 2023 World Cup after he accused a South African opponent of abusing him during a match. "I guess the people I think we should listen to are the proper rugby people, your mates. Not that those people will just pat you on the back," Farrell said. "You have people who will tell you where it is at the same time, but they will give you a real answer. If you do that and you are in a good place yourself, then you can deal with it." -Reuters
CNA
21-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
I struggle to comprehend 'social media poison' says Farrell
Former England captain Owen Farrell says he does not understand the social media "poison" that often surrounds top level sport and that contributed to him walking away from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup. The 33-year-old was named by his father, British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell, as captain for Tuesday's match against a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne, after joining the tour as replacement for the injured Elliot Daly. He has not played a test since stepping back from national duty in November 2023 to prioritise his mental health, before joining French side Racing 92, returning to Saracens in June. "I understand times are different and things catch fire quicker. Things grow legs, take a life of their own, go wherever they go and there's momentum behind them. But no, I don't always understand it," Farrell told reporters on Monday, when asked about the online discourse. "Both are a poison... the good and the bad. 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." Racist abuse online forced England women's footballer Jess Carter to step away from social media on Sunday, with the defender saying she had been a target since Euro 2025 began. Farrell previously spoke out against social media abuse when he condemned the online vitriol faced by England flanker Tom Curry during the 2023 World Cup after he accused a South African opponent of abusing him during a match. "I guess the people I think we should listen to are the proper rugby people, your mates. Not that those people will just pat you on the back," Farrell said. "You have people who will tell you where it is at the same time, but they will give you a real answer. If you do that and you are in a good place yourself, then you can deal with it."
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Farrell on the bench for Lions against Australia-New Zealand
British and Irish Lions' Owen Farrell looks on after the rugby match between the British and Irish Lions and the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on July 9 (Saeed KHAN) Owen Farrell was named Thursday on the bench for the British and Irish Lions side to face a combined Australia-New Zealand team in Adelaide. The former England captain is set to end a period in the international wilderness as the Lions continue their nine-game tour with their fifth and final warm-up on Saturday. Advertisement Farrell made the dash to Australia last week after his father, Lions coach Andy Farrell, summoned him as cover when utility back Elliot Daly broke his arm. The 33-year-old, on his fourth Lions tour, earned the last of his 112 Test caps at the 2023 World Cup, and is coming off an underwhelming and injury-plagued season with French club Racing 92. The Lions are unbeaten in four matches in Australia after wins over four Super Rugby sides, including 36-24 against ACT Brumbies on Wednesday in Canberra. But they endured a sloppy performance against the Brumbies, with notable issues around the breakdown. Advertisement - Numerous changes - The Lions have made numerous changes with Tadhg Beirne to take the captaincy reins, while young star Henry Pollock returns. Scrum-half Ben White will make his first start for the Lions. The Australia-New Zealand side, the first time the powerhouses have joined forces since 1989, will be led jointly by David Havili and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. Coach Les Kiss picked 17 internationals in his matchday 23 for Saturday's final warm-up game for the Lions before they face Australia in the opening Test on July 19 in Brisbane. "We are in a great position just over a week out from the first Test," coach Farrell said. Advertisement "The players now have another chance to put in a strong team performance and put a hand up for selection for the Test matches against the Wallabies. "Les Kiss has assembled a strong squad with lots of international experience and we know that he will have them well organised and they will bring a lot of physicality to the contest.' British Lions XV (15-1):Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van Der Merwe; Fin Smith, Ben White; Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock; Tadhg Beirne (capt), James Ryan; Will Stuart, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Pierre Schoeman Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Finlay Bealham, Scott Cummings, Josh van der Flier, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell tl/fox
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Roosters fans get definitive answer after Joey Manu makes call on future
Roosters fans will not see former star Joey Manu make an immediate return to the NRL after the New Zealand ace signed with Racing 92 until the end of the 2027 French Rugby season. Manu made the huge move to Japanese rugby for the 2025 season in a big blow to the Roosters. One of the game's best centres wanted to chase a career in rugby union, and potentially a New Zealand All Blacks jersey ahead of the World Cup, and switched to the Toyota Verblitz. Earlier this season, there were reports Manu was getting cold feet about his move to French rugby. The 29-year-old was also invited back to train and use the Roosters' facilities last month in preparation for his stint in French rugby. And in a blow for the Roosters and Super Rugby fans, Racing 92 have announced the signing of the star until the end of the 2027 season. Manu scored 11 tries in his debut season for Verblitz, but the team struggled after finishing 10th on the ladder. The former Roosters star isn't the only major signing for Racing 92. The French club also grabbed Taniela Tupou for the season. The former Wallabies prop will join the side who are hoping to improve on a lacklustre season. Racing 92 finished 10th in the Top 14 standings and have reacted accordingly. The Paris-based club made 10 new signings for the upcoming season starting next month. Joey Manu has officially signed with French Rugby until the end of 2027.( Racing 92 website) — NRLCentral (@centralNRL) July 9, 2025 OFFICIAL: Ex-Toyota wing Joseph Manu has signed for Racing 92, as long rumoured. No NRL return or Super Rugby move as many fans hoped for #rugbyjp — 🇯🇵 (@rugbyjpcom) July 8, 2025 After a run for the Toyota Verblitz, reports suggested Manu had a change of heart and was angling for a NRL return on compassionate grounds. Last month, Manu caused a stir when he showed up to a Roosters game. Cameras captured the 29-year-old sitting amongst the Roosters section during the game. Many fans convinced it was a sign he could be on the verge of handing the Tri Colours a huge boost by rejoining the club this season. Although this has been now shut down having joined French rugby. However, Roosters coach Trent Robinson shut down any suggestion he would be linking up with the Roosters at the backend of the 2025 NRL season. While he left the door open for a return in 2026, this has now been quelled. "Joey, this is his home, it always has been. But I'm sure he's got a plan," the Roosters coach said at the time. "If he's asked for a release, then he'd have a plan on what he wants to do, and that's not going to be (with) us... "Naturally you would (welcome him back), but that's not our choice. Joey gets to make his choice. He doesn't owe us anything. We've spent a lot of time together. There's obviously a professional relationship with the Roosters and also a lot of care for his family. I don't know if it's true, I've heard it reported. But until Joey tells me, then I won't be interested in why he doesn't want to go to France." Manu played 181 games for the Roosters, won two premierships and scored 69 tries. He also made 17 appearances for New Zealand.
