Owen Farrell has named Jonny Wilkinson as the toughest opponent he has ever faced during his illustrious playing career.
And the superstar fly-half revealed that he came up against his toughest opponent early in his career when Saracens came toe-to-toe with Toulon in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Speaking to David Flatman, the England captain hailed the former Newcastle Falcons fly-half while calling him his toughest opponent when asked.
"There are so many," said Farrell. "It would have to be Jonny (Wilkinson), simple as that."
"The consistency he showed throughout his career was incredible, he set a new standard for fly-halves all over the world.
"Dan Carter is another one who has been incredible over a long period, but I'd have to stick with Jonny as my toughest opponent."
JOIN THE RUCK:
12 things you didn’t know about Owen Farrell
1. He started off in Rugby League
His education began in rugby league - he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight.
2. School days
It's well known that the Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford, however, it's less well known that he went onto study Business at Hertfordshire University.
3. Celebration
Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack being a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.[ Farrell is also a patron for Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity Duchenne UK.
4. Record-breaker
He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford.
5. Family ties
It's well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it's less commonly know that his uncle Sean O'Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009. He also has two younger sisters, Elleshia and Gracie and one younger brother, Gabriel.
6. Tying the knot
He married his longtime girlfriend Georgina “Georgie” Farrell (née Lyon) in July 2018. Their son, Tommy Farrell, was born in March 2019. They keep their life largely private.
7. Name change
He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.
8. Dog lover
Along with his wife Georgie, he loves long walks with his dogs.
9. Idols
Owen Farrell loves Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer. He admires his game management, consistency and skill.
10. Most physical player he's faced
"Schalk Burger without a doubt. He has something special inside him that keeps him going all day."
11. Almost joining Manchester United
In 2005, the 13-year-old Farrell had a trial at Old Trafford, and did enough to convince the club's academy executives that the then goalkeeper deserved an extended spell with the club. Years later, they dressed him up as a goalkeeper on his stag fo.
12. Car
The England captain currently drives a Land Rover defender.
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