2023-10-13 19:16:17
By Ad.B.
Published 11 minutes ago, Updated now
George Ford (left) and Owen Farrell grew up in the footsteps of their fathers, Saracens players like Simon Raiwalui. PETER CZIBORRA / REUTERS
At a press conference before the Rugby World Cup quarter against England, Simon Raiwalui recalled his years at Saracens, where he rubbed shoulders with the fathers of the two openers of the XV de la Rose.
Memories memories. The quarter-final between England and Fiji at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille (Sunday, 5 p.m.) will be the occasion for a reunion between Simon Raiwalui, the Fijian coach, and the two openers of the XV de la Rose, Owen Farrell and George Ford.
«It was a long time ago», recalled Raiwalui at a press conference, who played between 2003 and 2007 at Saracens, at the same time as a certain… Andy Farrell, the Ireland coach, father of Owen. Mike Ford, George’s father, was on the staff. Owen Farrell and George Ford were promising teenagers destined to become professionals.
Read alsoRugby World Cup: Radradra returns with Fiji for the quarter against England
“A lot of very young qualities”
«Both of them already had a lot of qualities at a very young age. They were training with Mike [Ford, le père de George]each of the fathers was there, Raiwalui explains. It’s great to see them, even though I feel old when I see them. Congratulations to Owen for breaking the record [du meilleur buteur de l’histoire de l’Angleterre]. He is a fantastic player serving his country».
If Owen Farrell, who started against Fiji on Sunday, has spent his entire career at Saracens, George Ford emerged on the Leicester side, before signing for Bath and then returning to the Tigers. He now plays for Sale Sharks.
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