Rugby Union: Farrell Unimpressed by Rodd’s Dramatic Dive

In a crucial Premiership clash between Saracens and Sale Sharks on Saturday, former England captain Owen Farrell found himself at the center of a contentious incident involving his ex-Test teammate Bevan Rodd.

The Controversial Incident

The events unfolded when Sale were awarded a penalty at a scrum, prompting Saracens tighthead Christian Judge to lightly push the 23-year-old Rodd. However, the Sale prop dramatically hit the ground, seemingly hoping to elicit further punishment for the Sarries forward from referee Luke Pearce.

Pearce was quick to intervene, telling Rodd to “up you get,” while Farrell approached the scene and pointedly gestured at the England prop. The match officials attempted to keep the Saracens playmaker from getting involved, stating, “I’m dealing with that, thanks,” but Farrell still managed to voice his disapproval, saying, “That’s pathetic Bevan, pathetic, you diving git!”

“I know he nudged you, but I’m not sure it needed a Lionel Messi dive, okay?”

• Referee Luke Pearce

Though Pearce did not reverse the penalty, he calmly addressed the situation, telling Rodd, “I know he nudged you, but I’m not sure it needed a Lionel Messi dive, okay?”

Reactions and Concerns

Former England fly-half Andy Goode echoed Farrell’s sentiments, labeling Rodd’s actions as “absolutely embarrassing” and “seriously pathetic,” while criticizing the growing “gamesmanship” in the game, with players attempting to get opponents carded.

Farrell’s frustration stemmed not only from Rodd’s antics but also from a previous incident involving Saracens scrum-half Ivan van Zyl and Red Rose flanker Ben Curry. In that situation, Van Zyl had responded to Curry’s perceived gamesmanship by lifting the player’s leg, causing him to fall and hit his head.

The Saracens captain referenced this incident when discussing the matter with Pearce, stating, “If they keep diving, what can we possibly do? You know you were saying before it was a bad look for the game against Bath…”

Pearce acknowledged Farrell’s point regarding the Rodd “dive,” but maintained that Van Zyl’s actions had to be penalized as foul play.

The dramatic events underscored the growing concern over gamesmanship and simulation in rugby union, with high-profile figures like Farrell and Goode calling for a crackdown on such behavior to preserve the integrity of the sport.

🔗 Source