Young sons of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and assistant Paul O’Connell go head-to-head in schools' rugby
THE TWO sons of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and assistant Paul O’Connell found themselves on opposite sides on the rugby pitch this Wednesday.
Paddy O’Connell led the Castletroy College side while Gabriel Farrell captained Blackrock College in a first-year friendly.
It comes as their fathers will be working in tandem this Friday night as Ireland go up against France in Marseilles, in their Six Nations opener in France.
Paddy, 13, is the eldest son of Ireland forwards' coach, and proud Limerick man, Paul, and his wife Emily and he has two siblings Lola and Felix.
The sports-loving teenager also enjoys a round of golf with his dad. The O'Connell family - who lived in France for a time - spend much of their free time in Lahinch. During his rugby playing days, Ballyneety native and Young Munster star, Paul, captained Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, while Andy has previously served in an advisor role for Munster Rugby.
Gabriel, 13, has two sisters, Elleshia and Gracie and of course, his older brother Owen, who plays for England.
Despite his young age, Gabriel has already been tipped to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and father by lining out for England someday.