Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from England duty should lead fans to differentiate between the player and man, says Brian O’Driscoll.
Farrell has chosen to miss the Six Nations, which starts in February, “in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing”.
The shock decision comes after the 32-year-old led England to a third-place finish at the recent World Cup, his side losing to eventual champions South Africa in the semi-finals.
Farrell came under fire on social media and at times was booed by sections of the crowd during the World Cup.
Speaking on Off The Ball, former Ireland captain O’Driscoll discussed the criticism Farrell has received and said what is made of the flyhalf on social media could not be further from the truth.
KEO: SA rugby on Euro ‘voyage of discovery’
“I know Owen Farrell personally,” O’Driscoll said. “I don’t know anyone that has spent time with him that doesn’t like Owen Farrell.
“He’s maybe been guilty of not being overly effusive in the media, because it’s not in his nature. So, even as captain sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge to go and deliver and maybe be out of his comfort zone.
“As captain you’re forced to go and speak on behalf of your team. Then, sometimes when you don’t get a proper sense of that person away from the pitch, which the vast majority of people don’t, he’s an easy target.
“Because he’s confrontational on the pitch, because he is a winner, because he challenges referees, because he pushes the boundaries.
“Away from it all, people know he is a great sort and someone that drives standards and expects high things from those around him.
“That’s why I think there’s a great confusion with anyone that has any involvement within rugby and has played or trained or knows him is that he is a very, very good person.
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” O’Driscoll added. “You’re not going to be a d!ck if you’re Andy Farrell’s son, you’re just not.”
Farrell is part of the Saracens squad that traveled to Pretoria for their Champions Cup opener against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night.
Photo: Glyn KIRK / AFP