Owen Farrell sends clear message to critics after 2025 Lions tour
Rugby NewsWednesday, 06 August 2025 at 20:03
Owen Farrell has found himself under the spotlight again following the British and Irish Lions’ fiery 2025 tour of Australia — and he’s not shying away from the noise.
Former international referee Owen Doyle didn’t hold back in his assessment of the chaotic final Test in Sydney, which saw tempers boil over and rugby values thrown out the window. Despite the Lions wrapping up a 2-1 series win, it was the post-match fallout — not the result — making headlines.
Farrell, who was at the heart of several heated moments, has been singled out for an expletive-filled tirade directed at Wallabies ace Joseph Suaalii.
“There was a very intemperate undercurrent throughout,” Doyle said.
“Both teams wanted desperately to win, and at times nasty stuff surfaced. Owen Farrell’s incensed verbal outburst aimed at Joseph Suaalii was an awful look.
“There was constant sledging, faux-grinning and taunting from the start. Is all of this really what rugby wants to be?”
“There was constant sledging, faux-grinning and taunting from the start. Is all of this really what rugby wants to be?”
“The match failed miserably to uphold the game’s stated values. Respect for the opposition was nowhere in sight. How sad that was to see.”
Footage of Farrell’s angry exchange has gone viral, sparking debate among fans and pundits over player behaviour and the tone of modern Test rugby.
But Farrell, never one to back down, has hit back in his own way. During celebrations following the Lions' hard-fought series victory, young flanker Henry Pollock shared a photo featuring the England fly-half — middle finger raised — in what many see as a not-so-subtle message to his critics.
While his on-field antics have divided opinion, Farrell’s influence on the pitch during the second Test, where the Lions secured the series, was undeniable.
Love him or hate him, Farrell’s fire still burns — and he’s not going quietly.
Carter and McCaw Were in Agreement About ‘the Best Number 10’ in Rugby History
Two of rugby’s most iconic All Blacks — Dan Carter and Richie McCaw — reunited to reflect on the fiercest rivals they ever faced during their storied careers.
Now enjoying retirement, the legendary fly-half and the revered former captain sat down for the first in a two-part interview, covering everything from McCaw’s game-day habits to the early battles that shaped Carter’s career.
Time to dive into their top five toughest opponents…
? #5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Position: Winger
Height: 6 ft 5 in
Weight: 262 lb
Caps: 63
Years Active: 1994–2002
Height: 6 ft 5 in
Weight: 262 lb
Caps: 63
Years Active: 1994–2002
? The Human Bulldozer
"He bowled me over about 5m when I tried to tackle him in one of my first games. A superstar. Gutted I never played with him."
Richie McCaw said:
"When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you have watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once."
"When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you have watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once."
DID YOU KNOW?
New Zealand sevens star Eric Rush once played a game of touch with a 14-year-old Lomu — and invited him to a sevens tournament in Singapore the next day.
New Zealand sevens star Eric Rush once played a game of touch with a 14-year-old Lomu — and invited him to a sevens tournament in Singapore the next day.
BIO:
Jonah Lomu changed rugby forever. Bursting onto the scene at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he was a one-man wrecking ball, blending terrifying pace with raw power. At just 20, he was already an international superstar. Off the field, he remained humble, admired for his grace and courage battling a rare kidney disease. Lomu’s influence transcended sport — he became the game’s first global icon and remains rugby’s most enduring legend.
Jonah Lomu changed rugby forever. Bursting onto the scene at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he was a one-man wrecking ball, blending terrifying pace with raw power. At just 20, he was already an international superstar. Off the field, he remained humble, admired for his grace and courage battling a rare kidney disease. Lomu’s influence transcended sport — he became the game’s first global icon and remains rugby’s most enduring legend.
? #4. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Position: Flanker
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80
Years Active: 2006–2015
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80
Years Active: 2006–2015
?️ The French Tackling Machine
Richie McCaw said:
"Over the years I've played him a few times and you always know he's there. He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace."
"Over the years I've played him a few times and you always know he's there. He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace."
Dan Carter said:
"He had some blinding games in big moments — none more so than in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup games against the All Blacks."
"He had some blinding games in big moments — none more so than in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup games against the All Blacks."
DID YOU KNOW?
Dusautoir made a record 38 tackles in a single match — against New Zealand in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Dusautoir made a record 38 tackles in a single match — against New Zealand in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
BIO:
Nicknamed "The Dark Destroyer," Thierry Dusautoir was the heartbeat of France’s forward pack throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s. Best known for his World Cup heroics, including a record-breaking 38 tackles against the All Blacks in 2007, he captained Les Bleus to the 2011 final. Revered for his discipline, leadership, and tackle technique, Dusautoir’s consistency and quiet aggression made him one of the most respected flankers in modern rugby history.
Nicknamed "The Dark Destroyer," Thierry Dusautoir was the heartbeat of France’s forward pack throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s. Best known for his World Cup heroics, including a record-breaking 38 tackles against the All Blacks in 2007, he captained Les Bleus to the 2011 final. Revered for his discipline, leadership, and tackle technique, Dusautoir’s consistency and quiet aggression made him one of the most respected flankers in modern rugby history.
? #3. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Position: Fly-half
Height: 6 ft
Weight: 200 lb
Caps: 97
Years Active: 1998–2011
Height: 6 ft
Weight: 200 lb
Caps: 97
Years Active: 1998–2011
⚖️ The Perfectionist
Dan Carter said:
"You might have heard of him? Former England captain and Toulon player Jonny is probably the closest thing I've seen to the perfect rugby player."
"You might have heard of him? Former England captain and Toulon player Jonny is probably the closest thing I've seen to the perfect rugby player."
Richie McCaw said:
"He'll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
"He'll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Jonny’s brother, Mark Wilkinson, also played for Newcastle Falcons, making 16 Premiership appearances between 2002 and 2005.
Jonny’s brother, Mark Wilkinson, also played for Newcastle Falcons, making 16 Premiership appearances between 2002 and 2005.
BIO:
Jonny Wilkinson was England’s golden boy — the drop-goal hero of the 2003 Rugby World Cup final and a relentless perfectionist. Known for his intense training routines, pinpoint kicking and defensive steel, Wilkinson was equally admired for his humility. Injuries plagued his career, but he bounced back to shine at Toulon, winning two Heineken Cups. A tactical maestro and clutch performer, Jonny remains one of the most technically gifted fly-halves ever.
Jonny Wilkinson was England’s golden boy — the drop-goal hero of the 2003 Rugby World Cup final and a relentless perfectionist. Known for his intense training routines, pinpoint kicking and defensive steel, Wilkinson was equally admired for his humility. Injuries plagued his career, but he bounced back to shine at Toulon, winning two Heineken Cups. A tactical maestro and clutch performer, Jonny remains one of the most technically gifted fly-halves ever.
? #2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Position: Flanker
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Caps: 86
Years Active: 2003–2015
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Caps: 86
Years Active: 2003–2015
? A Wild Warrior with Engine for Days
Richie McCaw said:
"You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball."
"You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball."
Dan Carter said:
"I kept looking at my All Black jersey wondering if I had a target like in the middle of the jersey or something because he kept coming for me. He was having a huge battle with our big forward pack. He just kept going. He didn’t stop. He was physical and just his leg drive was incredible. A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field as well."
"I kept looking at my All Black jersey wondering if I had a target like in the middle of the jersey or something because he kept coming for me. He was having a huge battle with our big forward pack. He just kept going. He didn’t stop. He was physical and just his leg drive was incredible. A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field as well."
DID YOU KNOW?
Burger was awarded the IRB Player of the Year in 2004, aged just 21.
Burger was awarded the IRB Player of the Year in 2004, aged just 21.
BIO:
Schalk Burger was a fearless enforcer and fan favourite in the Springboks jersey. With his wild blond hair and bruising tackles, he embodied raw physicality and relentless effort. A 2007 World Cup winner, Burger was known for his tireless work at the breakdown and thunderous ball-carrying. Off the field, he survived a life-threatening illness and returned to elite rugby, cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most courageous and committed players.
Schalk Burger was a fearless enforcer and fan favourite in the Springboks jersey. With his wild blond hair and bruising tackles, he embodied raw physicality and relentless effort. A 2007 World Cup winner, Burger was known for his tireless work at the breakdown and thunderous ball-carrying. Off the field, he survived a life-threatening illness and returned to elite rugby, cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most courageous and committed players.
? #1. George Smith (Australia)
Position: Flanker
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 233 lb
Caps: 111
Years Active: 2000–2013
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 233 lb
Caps: 111
Years Active: 2000–2013
? The Breakdown King
Richie McCaw said:
"Smith was always pretty tough. I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is. I've never seen a guy as gifted in all facets of the game.”
"Smith was always pretty tough. I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is. I've never seen a guy as gifted in all facets of the game.”
Dan Carter said:
"I used to hate playing this guy because he was so bloody good. A true legend of the game."
"I used to hate playing this guy because he was so bloody good. A true legend of the game."
DID YOU KNOW?
Smith won the John Eales Medal twice — Australia’s highest rugby honour — in 2002 and 2008.
Smith won the John Eales Medal twice — Australia’s highest rugby honour — in 2002 and 2008.
BIO:
George Smith was a generational talent — a master at the breakdown with unmatched anticipation and skill. Debuting at just 20, he went on to earn over 100 caps for the Wallabies, becoming a mainstay in the back-row for over a decade. Renowned for his offloading, jackaling, and vision, Smith redefined what it meant to be a modern openside. He also starred in Europe and Japan, proving his class on every stage he graced.
George Smith was a generational talent — a master at the breakdown with unmatched anticipation and skill. Debuting at just 20, he went on to earn over 100 caps for the Wallabies, becoming a mainstay in the back-row for over a decade. Renowned for his offloading, jackaling, and vision, Smith redefined what it meant to be a modern openside. He also starred in Europe and Japan, proving his class on every stage he graced.
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