Centurion Farrell has transformed English rugby, says pal George

Owen Farrell has been credited with singlehandedly transforming the mindset of English rugby as he prepares to join the nation’s small band of Test centurions.

Farrell will win his 100th cap in Saturday’s clash with New Zealand at Twickenham, emulating Jason Leonard and Ben Youngs in reaching the milestone having made his debut as a 20-year-old a decade ago.

But the ripple effect of his influence was felt well before his England odyssey began, according to Jamie George, his longterm friend and teammate for club and country.

The two first met at a Hertfordshire under-15 trials with Farrell having just arrived from Wigan as a result of his father Andy, the former Great Britain rugby league captain, signing for Saracens.

“I was a Saracens fan at the time and first and foremost I was excited to meet Owen, to see what all the hype was about,” George told the PA news agency.

“And then as soon as I saw him play he was entirely different to anything I’ve ever seen before in terms of his skill level, desire and the way that he approached the game.”

Fast forward to 2022 and an all-too infrequent visit by the All Blacks to Twickenham and Farrell is still setting the tone, having regained the captaincy for the autumn.

“Owen has changed the way that English rugby has been played, we can genuinely say that,” George said.

“He’s someone who has led the way throughout his 99 caps for England.”

Owen Farrell will win his 100th cap on Saturday.