Any game between Ireland and England in the Six Nations is a massive occasion, although the clash between the two sides later this afternoon will have an added edge. Not only is it taking place in Dublin on St Patrick's weekend, but the home side will also be hoping to secure a Grand Slam with a victory.
Andy Farrell has done a remarkable job over the last couple of years. While there were some doubts early in his tenure, he has since built Ireland into the most consistent side in world rugby. Capping off that run with a Six Nations championship would be ideal ahead of the World Cup later this year.
Of course, any meeting with England is sure to be a bit of an odd occasion for the Irish head coach. Not only is he competing against his home nation, but the opposition team is also captained by his son.
As a result, it has lead to some split loyalties in the family.
Owen Farrell surprised to learn son attended Ireland team run
Owen Farrell's family have made the trip across the Irish Sea to watch this weekend's game, and considering the prices of hotels at the moment, they decided to stay with a family member for a few days.
The family member is of course Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, who has used the opportunity to attempt to get his grandchildren to support the team in green for this fixture.
He brought his grandson Tommy along to the Ireland team run at the Aviva Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Good to see Tommy Farrell, the grandson of Andy and son of Owen, at the Ireland captain's run yesterday!
His granddad is definitely in his ear about who to support later today 😅 pic.twitter.com/a67vws7NXw— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 18, 2023
A family affair.
Owen Farrell knew that his father would be attempting to get his kids onside this weekend, although he only learned during a press conference yesterday that his son had been at the Aviva yesterday afternoon. He took it all in good spirits.
🏴 Owen Farrell is England captain
🟢 Andy Farrell is Ireland head coach
...so which training session did Owen's children go to? Grandad's of course! 😂#BBCRugby #SixNations pic.twitter.com/PfD0LiIpho— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 17, 2023
Reporter: Were your children at the Ireland team run?
Farrell: I don't know. I think he was trying to. I don't know.
Reporter: I think they were at training with your dad.
Farrell: Is it? I didn't know that, I genuinely didn't know that.
Reporter: Do you need to have a word with them on where their allegiances lie?
Farrell: No, they're a bit young. They're just doing as their grandad has told them. They're staying at their grandad's house, so I guess it's his rules for the weekend so far.
This is not the first occasion that Andy Farrell has attempted to get his grandson to switch his allegiances to Ireland.
Owen Farrell revealed earlier this year that his father had gifted his eldest son an Ireland jersey.
My eldest has an Ireland shirt. I asked him why he has got one. He said, ‘It’s grandad’s team’ and I said, ‘You can wear a suit like grandad does, then, not the kit.’ They’re into anything sporty and my dad got them a Manchester City top which I’m not happy about as well.
I’ve got two little lads that love running around, going to the park, anything. I don’t know if it’s more me or him, or I’m forcing it on him, but with my eldest [Tommy] I’m trying to get him to the driving range a little bit.
He seems to like it, but I don’t know if that’s me just telling myself that! I like playing golf, but I’ve not got an official handicap. I don’t play enough to hand that many cards in.
In fairness to Tommy, he probably just wants to shout for a winning team.
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