Andrew Farrell
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Andrew Farrell OBE (30 May 1975-) played rugby league for Great Britain as a loose forward. He also captained the team before transferring to rugby union. Andrew Farrell is considered an on-the-field leader and a superb goal kicker. His primary position at rugby league was at loose forward or in the second row, although his skills and knowledge of the game meant he was able to fill in at other positions. For example, during the 2004 season, he filled in at prop after injuries to other key players.
His best position in rugby union is as yet unknown, but his versatility has led to suggestions that he could play in either the forwards or the backs - unusual for a cross-code convert.
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[edit] Rugby league
Farrell, or "Faz" was a first team debutant for his home town club Wigan at the age of 16 against Keighley and a full International by 18. He made his debut against New Zealand in 1993 and became captain of his country by 21. Farrell has made 34 appearances for Great Britain and also represented the country in two World Cups. In 1993, he became the youngest winner of the Challenge Cup when he came on as a substitute aged 17 years 11 months. In 1994, he was named the youngest ever player of the year.
He is only the second player to score more than 3,000 points in all competitions at Wigan. He is said to be an inspiration to young players within the squad. He celebrated his Testimonial Year in 2002, and won the Golden Boot as the best player in the world in 2004, the Man of Steel Award twice, and the Players Player Award.
Farrell was inducted into the Order of the British Empire for services to the game in the New Year's list of 2004.
[edit] Switch to rugby union
On March 24, 2005 Farrell announced his retirement from rugby league to take on a new challenge with Saracens and the Rugby Football Union. A series of injuries and accidents meant that his debut in the 15-man code was delayed until 2006.
Despite all his achievements there have been questions raised over his ability to change to a different sport at a relatively old age plus doubts about how much surgery he needs on his knees. Eyebrows have also been raised by the sum England head coach Andy Robinson was willing to pay for such a perceived risk, and whether such a substantial amount of RFU money couldn't be better spent elsewhere. Followers of both codes awaited his union debut with keen interest.
He finally made a try scoring debut, for Saracens reserves, on the 11th September 2006.[1] He then made his first team debut against Newcastle Falcons on 17th September 2006 as a replacement. On both occasions, he played as blind-side flanker. A row then broke out about his best position - the England management suggested he should be playing in the centres whilst Saracens continued to play him as a flanker. [2] However he is now playing as a centre for the Saracens first team and has been selected to play for a World XV against South Africa.
[edit] Record
Previous Clubs: Orrell St. James
Super League record at Wigan Warriors 1996 - 2004
- Played - 230
- Tries - 77
- Goals - 1026
- Drop Goals - 16
- Points - 2376
