Sep 24, 1991
Libra
Wigan, England
33 years old
N/A
N/A
Rugby Player
🏉 Introduction to Owen Farrell: England’s Tenacious Fly-Half and Rugby Leader
📌 Personal Information
Full Name: Owen Andrew O'Loughlin Farrell
Date of Birth: 24 September 1991
Age: 33 (as of April 2025)
Place of Birth: Billinge Higher End, Wigan, England
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight: 92 kg (203 lbs)
Playing Positions: Fly-half, Inside Centre
Current Club: Racing 92 (Top 14, France)
Previous Club: Saracens (2008–2024)
National Representation: England (2012–2023), British & Irish Lions (2013–2021)
🏠 Early Life and Background
Born in Billinge Higher End, Wigan, Owen Farrell hails from a family deeply rooted in rugby. His father, Andy Farrell, is a former dual-code international and current head coach of the Irish national team. Owen began playing rugby league with Wigan St. Patricks at the age of eight. In 2005, following his father's move to Saracens, the family relocated to Harpenden, Hertfordshire, where Owen transitioned to rugby union. He attended St George's School and later pursued Business Studies at the University of Hertfordshire.
🏉 Club Career
Farrell made his professional debut for Saracens in 2008 at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest players in English professional rugby union. Over 16 years, he amassed 254 appearances and scored 2,838 points, becoming the club's all-time leading points scorer. His tenure included six Premiership titles (2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023) and three European Rugby Champions Cup victories (2016, 2017, 2019).
In 2024, Farrell signed a two-year contract with French Top 14 club Racing 92, marking his first professional move abroad. The transfer, reportedly involving a €500,000 compensation fee, rendered him ineligible for England selection under RFU regulations. At Racing 92, he joined forces with head coach Stuart Lancaster and fellow Englishman Henry Arundell.
🌍 International Career
Farrell earned his first cap for England in 2012 and went on to accumulate 112 caps, scoring 1,237 points—the highest in England's history. He captained the national team from 2018 to 2023, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2016 and a Rugby World Cup final in 2019. Farrell also played pivotal roles in England's Six Nations victories in 2017 and 2020.
Farrell was selected for three consecutive British & Irish Lions tours: Australia (2013), New Zealand (2017), and South Africa (2021), earning six test caps and contributing 34 points.
🏆 Career Achievements and Honors
Club Honors:
6× Premiership Rugby Champion: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023
3× European Rugby Champions Cup Winner: 2016, 2017, 2019International Honors:
3× Six Nations Champion: 2016 (Grand Slam), 2017, 2020
Rugby World Cup Runner-up: 2019
Rugby World Cup Third Place: 2023
Individual Accolades:
European Player of the Year: 2017, 2018
World Rugby Player of the Year Nominee: 2012, 2016, 2017
👨👩👧👦 Personal Life
Farrell is married to Georgie, and the couple has two sons. Despite his public persona as a fierce competitor, those close to him describe him as humble and family-oriented. His decision to step back from international rugby in 2023 was influenced by a desire to focus on his mental well-being and spend more time with his family.
💡 Legacy and Impact
Owen Farrell's career is marked by his exceptional leadership, tactical acumen, and resilience under pressure. Often compared to sports figures like Roy Keane and Michael Jordan for his intensity and influence, Farrell has been a central figure in English rugby for over a decade. His move to Racing 92 represents not just a new chapter in his playing career but also a potential stepping stone toward future roles in coaching and rugby development.
Owen Farrell's journey from a young talent in Wigan to an international rugby icon exemplifies dedication, skill, and leadership. His contributions to club and country have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of rugby players.