Owen Farrell – our South Africans won’t be texting their mates in the Boks dressing room

Fly-half dismisses idea England’s rugby squad could make same mistake as Kevin Pietersen and says his main concern is becoming an even better player

Evening Standard

Edward Griffiths, chief executive of Saracens, tells of the time he tried to comfort a disconsolate Owen Farrell. The fly-half was practising kicking and his effort flew just past the wrong side of the post. As he cursed loudly, Griffiths said: “It’s only a game.” But Farrell angrily brushed him aside and started to kick again.

For those who know Farrell well, this is what marks out the playmaker as a real talent, one who is part of the England squad for the four autumn Tests, starting against Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday. The experts may say he is not blessed with speed or exceptional ability but nobody doubts the 21-year-old’s commitment to becoming an even better player.