Wilkinson Mentors Farrell as Saracens Star Prepares for Crucial Run-in
Veteran fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been working privately with Saracens star Owen Farrell in recent weeks as the latter prepares for the crucial Gallagher Premiership run-in.
The Independent understands that the long-time friends and England internationals have been using the national team’s training facilities at Pennyhill Park to fine-tune Farrell’s kicking game. Wilkinson, who lives close to the England base, has acted as an informal kicking consultant for both Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick during their tenures as national team head coaches.
“Part of the answer is trying not to work every single kick out and bounce around from one thing to another. It’s just to kick. I know how to kick a ball. I’m just going to try to free myself up to do that.”
As Farrell prepares to depart Saracens for a move to Racing 92 at the end of the season, he is seeking to dial in his kicking prowess. The 2003 World Cup winner Wilkinson, who surpassed Farrell as England’s all-time leading international points scorer during last year’s tournament, has provided valuable guidance to the 31-year-old during previous slumps with the boot.
Farrell’s impending switch to the Top 14 mirrors Wilkinson’s own move to Toulon in 2009, which ushered in a period of success for the French club, including back-to-back Champions Cup titles. Wilkinson has continued to kick regularly as a form of “spiritual practice” since retiring from the game.
As Saracens look to secure a top-four finish in the Premiership, Farrell will lead his side against Bath at The Rec on Friday night in a crucial encounter. The defending champions currently sit third in the table, just two points behind their opponents in the race for the playoffs.
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