Owen Farrell - A chip off the old block

Imagine this: You're 19 years of age, and you've just left school; your dad decided on a career change which moved you from Wigan to Watford.  Rather unspectacular? Hardly. Because you've also just won the Aviva Premiership final and you're shaping up to be one of the best young assets of English Rugby Union for a very long time.

Who are you? You're Owen Farrell of course.

What an impact this young man has made to Saracens and indeed the England under 20s team. Hailed as 'astonishing' by Sarries' Nigel Wray, Farrell was only 13 when his dad switched from league to union and moved his family south to play for The Saracens. Andy Farrell only played a handful of games and scored very few points for his new club, but it's not that period of his career he'll be remembered most for. He was, of course, one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time. At the age of 17 he became the youngest player ever to win the Challenge Cup, became a full international at 18, captained Wigan, became the youngest ever captain of England at the age of 21, represented England in 2 world cups, won 5 championships and 3 other Challenge Cups with Wigan AND won the 'Best player in the world' award in 2004.

Despite having his larger than life legend of a dad to live up to, Owen managed to break into the academy at Saracens and, under the guidance of his father and the Saracens coaches, eventually received a contract for the first team. And what a debut season it has been.

Starting at Bedford on loan, he impressed his parent club enough for them to bring him back to play for the first team at fly half “ a position that was not Owen's favourite. Nevertheless, he proved to be worthy of playing in the Aviva Premiership and not only that; worthy of playing in a team gunning like never before to be the best team in England. Let's be honest, his performance in the final was incredible. Any other 19 year old would have surely bottled it if asked to be the goal kicker for his team at Twickenham, but Farrell showed composure worthy of the greatest kickers of all time and landed all 6 of his attempts on goal. As well as his awesome boot he was also the driving force and attacking master mind of the Sarries' midfield.

It just isn't normal for someone of his age to be this good. But I suppose the Farrells aren't a normal family. Rugby runs in their blood and long may it continue. Do I think Owen can live up to his dad? Without a doubt. He has all of the potential in the world to be one of the best and most awe inspiring players in history and could very well be instrumental in the future England squad. No Pressure then Owen ¦