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Andy Farrell
Keeping it in the family: Andy Farrell

Farrell is set to play alongside son Owen

14 Oct 2008


Andy Farrell has set his sights on playing alongside son Owen for Saracens later this month.

Farrell returned from his latest injury problem a fractured thumb to help Sarries record an impressive 53-3 European Challenge Cup win over Roviga at Watford last weekend.

A week earlier, 17-year-old Owen made his senior debut against the Scarlets in the EDF Energy Cup to eclipse Danny Cipriani as the youngest player to appear in a professional game in England.

Farrell Snr, the former Great Britain rugby league captain who won a place in England's 2007 World Cup squad, continues his comeback against Viadana in the European Challenge Cup in Italy on Saturday.

And that should put him on course to run out with his son in the EDF Cup against Northampton the week after.

He said: "I would have loved to have been out on the pitch to share the moment with my son on his debut but, hopefully, I will get the chance to do that soon.

"Given the way those guys stepped up against Scarlets, they could well be taking our places before long and that kind of competition within the squad is going to be crucial if we are to be a successful club. I was very proud as a father and a player for Saracens at the display of those youngsters.

"Reading the newspapers the following day, you would have thought that we'd won the game not lost. It does prove there are some exciting players coming through the system.

"I am back and I couldn't be happier. Being selected for last Sunday's game marked the end of a very frustrating few weeks. Having put in all the hard work of pre-season and then to get injured in only the second warm-up game was gutting."

Ulster have injury worries over Stephen Ferris and Clinton Schifcofske ahead of their clash with Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday. Ferris sustained rib injuries in the home defeat by Stade Francais while Schifcofske may have suffered knee ligament damage.

Wakefield are mourning the death of rugby league prop Adam Watene. The 31-year-old Cook Islands international collapsed during a weight training session in the gym. His passing is the third tragedy to hit the club this year following the deaths of former stars David Topliss and Don Fox.

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