Like father, like sons – Andy Farrell’s rugby-playing sons are both fly-halves!

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Wednesday, 07 May 2025 at 15:41

byRugby Rucker

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It turns out rugby talent
definitely runs in the Farrell family – and so does their favourite position.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

Lions boss Andy Farrell, once a bruising dual-code international and now one of the top coaches in world rugby, has not one, but two sons who’ve followed in his footsteps – and they both wear the No.10 shirt.

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Meet Gabriel – the next Farrell fly-half

While Owen Farrell has carved out a legendary career with England – becoming the national side’s all-time top points scorer – his younger brother Gabriel is quietly making waves over in Dublin.

Now playing his rugby at powerhouse school Blackrock College, Gabriel is turning heads with his impressive development, particularly as a goal-kicker. According to dad Andy, he’s already ahead of Owen at the same age.

Castletroy College

@CastletroyC

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Paddy (Son of Paul O’ Connell) & Gabriel (Son of Andy Farrell) lined out as opposing captains in our first year rugby match today in Blackrock College. This could be a photo that surfaces in 15 years again. Well done lads.

4:30 PM · Jan 31, 2024

Born in England, future in green?

Thanks to the family’s relocation to Dublin in 2019, Gabriel could become eligible to play for Ireland via residency rules – a tantalising prospect that could one day see him face off against his own brother (well, maybe in a charity match...).

Andy Farrell – who moved the family to Ireland when he took the head coach job – hinted that the switch to Dublin was always meant to be.

“Everyone from the north-west of England is from Ireland anyway,” he said with a grin. “Coming to Ireland and living in Dublin is almost like going home for me.”

From Wigan to Blackrock

The Farrell family's journey has strong rugby roots. Andy married Colleen O’Loughlin – sister of former Wigan teammate Sean – and the couple have four children, including Owen and Gabriel.

Now, Gabriel’s performances for Blackrock College’s U14s have already caught the attention of onlookers – and even warmed his dad’s heart before a major Six Nations clash.

Guinness Men's Six Nations

@SixNationsRugby

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🏅 James Lowe awarded Andy Farrell's son Gabriel his Player of the Match medal after today's games 🤩 #GuinnessM6N #IREITA @IrishRugby

6:18 PM · Feb 11, 2024

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Before Ireland sealed the Six Nations title against Scotland in 2024, Andy revealed he’d been watching his youngest son claim victory in the school colours that morning.

“It shows you why Irish rugby is in such a special place,” he said proudly.

Watch this space

With Ireland’s golden generation continuing to shine and Leinster’s production line in full swing, don’t be surprised if the name “Farrell” appears on an Irish team sheet again soon – this time, with a very different first name.

Who will make the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad? Latest odds

While the final tour squad remains months away, these latest odds from the bookmakers offer the strongest hints yet of who’s expected to don the famous red jersey.

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? BACK-THREE: Scottish Power, Irish Precision

Duhan van der Merwe (1/16) is about as nailed-on as it gets – the Scotland powerhouse leads the market by some distance. He’s joined by two key Irish threats: James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5), both firm favourites.

England’s Tommy Freeman (4/9) continues his upward trajectory, while Blair Kinghorn (8/11) brings utility value and flair. Don’t rule out Darcy Graham (2/1) – the pocket rocket could be a dark horse.

? CENTRES: Aki and Jones in Pole Position

No surprises here. Bundee Aki (1/5) has been sensational and looks a shoo-in, while Huw Jones (1/4) is Scotland's best bet in midfield.

Scotland’s dynamic duo of Sione Tuipulotu (2/7) and Huw Jones (1/4) are also on track for selection, while Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw (8/11) must prove his fitness to stay in contention.

? FLY-HALVES: Finn’s to Lose?

Finn Russell (1/10) has the number 10 jersey in his grasp – and the bookies agree. England’s Fin Smith (8/15) is rising fast, while Marcus Smith (8/11) just edges Ireland’s Sam Prendergast, who drops out of the market in this latest update.

? NINES: Neck-and-Neck

It’s tight at scrum-half. Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park (8/11) leads the charge, but Alex Mitchell (11/10) and Tomos Williams (11/10) are breathing down his neck. With form fluctuating, this one’s still wide open.

? PROPS: Irish Domination

There’s no ignoring Tadhg Furlong (1/8) and Andrew Porter (1/7) – both virtually guaranteed. Zander Fagerson (4/11)is Scotland’s main man, while England’s Ellis Genge (4/6) and Fin Baxter (5/6) are right in the mix.

Pierre Schoeman (5/4) is hanging on, but might need a big end to the season.

? HOOKERS: Sheehan Out in Front

Dan Sheehan (1/10) is the clear frontrunner, but Dewi Lake (8/15) is hot on his heels. England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie (6/5) is back in the mix, but will need to stay fit to seal his spot.

? LOCKS: Itoje the Banker

Maro Itoje (1/33) is the biggest lock on the list (pun fully intended). He’s joined by Tadhg Beirne (1/10) and rising Irish star Joe McCarthy (4/6).

England’s Ollie Chessum (8/11) is in the hunt, and George Martin (11/10) isn’t far behind either.

? BACK-ROW: Doris and Earl Lead the Charge

Ireland’s Caelan Doris (1/5) and England’s Ben Earl (1/5) are leading the way. Former World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier (1/3) is another certainty.

England’s Tom Curry (8/15) is close to sealing a spot, while Jack Morgan (4/6) and Jack Willis (6/4) remain outside contenders.

? PROPOSED 2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)

Back-Three (6):
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) - 1/16
James Lowe (Ireland) - 1/8
Hugo Keenan (Ireland) - 1/5
Tommy Freeman (England) - 4/9
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) - 8/11
Darcy Graham (Scotland) - 2/1

Centres (4):
Bundee Aki (Ireland) - 1/5
Huw Jones (Scotland) - 1/4
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) - 2/7
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - 8/11

Fly-Halves (3):
Finn Russell (Scotland) - 1/10
Fin Smith (England) - 8/15
Marcus Smith (England) - 8/11

Scrum-Halves (3):
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) - 8/11
Alex Mitchell (England) - 11/10
Tomos Williams (Wales) - 11/10

Props (3):
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - 1/8
Andrew Porter (Ireland) - 1/7
Zander Fagerson (Scotland) - 4/11
Ellis Genge (England) - 4/6
Fin Baxter (England) - 5/6
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) - 5/4

Hookers (3):
Dan Sheehan (Ireland) - 1/10
Dewi Lake (Wales) - 8/15
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) - 6/5

Locks (5):
Maro Itoje (England) - 1/33
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) - 1/10
Joe McCarthy (Ireland) - 4/6
Ollie Chessum (England) - 8/11
George Martin (England) - 11/10

Back-Row (6):
Caelan Doris (Ireland) - 1/5
Ben Earl (England) - 1/5
Josh van der Flier (Ireland) - 1/3
Tom Curry (England) - 8/15
Jack Morgan (Wales) - 4/6
Jack Willis (England) - 6/4

TOUGH QUIZ: Can you name EVERY British & Irish Lions captain of the past 50 Years?

We've got a belter of a quiz in store, as we challenge you to name EVERY British & Irish Lions tour captain of the past 50 years. We start off our quiz back on the 1974 tour of South Africa, and bring it all the way up to the Lions' latest tour to the land of the Springboks in 2021.

To make this a little bit more difficult, some of the more recent tours included multiple captains, with both needed to be named if you want to ace this Lions Tour quiz. You have six minutes to get all of your answers down, and your time starts... Now!