Owen Farrell is known for his fierce competitiveness on the rugby pitch, but it’s not just his hard tackles and pinpoint kicks that make headlines.
The former England captain is never shy about sharing his opinions, especially when it comes to players who rub him the wrong way. From on-field scraps to off-field banter, Farrell has built up quite the list of rivals over the years, proving that rugby’s biggest battles aren’t always confined to the 80 minutes of play.
Let’s dive into some of his most memorable clashes with fellow players—where the hits, the words, and the drama are all part of the game.
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1. Dave Attwood – A Clash of Cultures
Bath lock Dave Attwood has never seen eye to eye with Owen Farrell—and he’s not shy about saying so. On a episode of RugbyPass Offload, Attwood let slip that Farrell “hates me with a passion.” The reason? A cheeky dig at rugby league. Attwood quipped, “a bloody sport for the peasants,” and Farrell—ever the fierce defender of his roots—wasn’t having it.
Cue a post-match urinal showdown. Yes, you read that right. Attwood followed Farrell into the bathroom where things got tense, with Farrell’s dad nearly caught in the crossfire of an ill-timed door slam. Classic post-game drama.
But it didn’t end there. “Whenever we play, one of us is always trying to run at the other or throw a hit,” Attwood confessed. Looks like this rivalry has no bathroom breaks.
2. Ryan Wilson – Tunnel Trouble
Scotland’s Ryan Wilson takes tunnel drama to a whole new level. The back-rower orchestrated what can only be described as “tunnel-gate” back in 2018, during the Six Nations showdown between England and Scotland. As the teams headed in after the warm-up, Wilson tried to rattle George Ford, but Farrell wasn’t having any of it. He charged through the Scottish players, aiming straight for Wilson, and chaos ensued.
Wilson later revealed the consequences of his shenanigans—he got banned from Twickenham! “I had a corporate gig lined up,” he shared, “only to get a message saying the RFU banned me.” Now, that’s what you call paying the price for some pre-match mind games!
3. James Haskell – Best Frenemies Forever
James Haskell and Owen Farrell are rugby’s version of a love-hate bromance. Their playful feud was immortalized during England’s 2016 tour of Australia, where Haskell’s non-stop banter seemed to wear Farrell thin. The iconic “best mates” videos from the tour might make you think they’re inseparable, but don’t be fooled—Farrell’s stony face during the antics suggested Haskell’s relentless humor wasn’t always appreciated.
Still, their “frienemy” status is pure gold for fans who enjoy a bit of off-pitch banter as much as the hard hits on the field.
4. Faf de Klerk – Clash of the Titans
If there’s one player who can truly get under Farrell’s skin, it’s South Africa’s Faf de Klerk. Their rivalry came to a head in 2018 when they ended up toe-to-toe during England’s tour of South Africa. But that was just a warm-up for their World Cup final showdown the following year.
The intensity between them is palpable every time they meet, with De Klerk’s fiery demeanor always pushing Farrell to the edge. Even Tom Curry chimed in, acknowledging the contrast in their personalities. “They’re very different characters,” he said—an understatement for one of rugby’s most electrifying player rivalries.
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
