Farrell has served England with distinction, pride, tenacity and maturity across 110 caps, racking up 1,206 points in the process.
And yet the 32-year-old remains a lightning rod for criticism and flak, much of the nonsense sitting embarrassingly at schoolkid level.
Farrell is the epitome of the legend that should complete the triple phrase Chelsea made famous in honour of John Terry.
Captain Farrell will lead England into Saturday's World Cup semi-final in Paris against South Africa, the mighty defending champions.
Whatever anyone's wider views of the man, now is the time for the nation to unite behind its rugby figurehead.
The Saracens superstar has never put a foot wrong off a rugby field, and barely so on the pitch either. A committed husband and father, a fiercely loyal friend, a relentless teammate.
So where is the caricature that people boo? That persona is nothing more than a figment of warped imaginations.
Fans at Marseille's Stade Velodrome booed Farrell before kick-off in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against Fiji, when the England captain's name was announced to the crowd.
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin October 18, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin October 18, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Can turmeric put a spring in your step?
Arthritis was not only robbing Jane of the pleasure of her daily dog walks, but also of sound sleep. Until she discovered Food-Grown Organic TurmaForte Turmeric, which has now brought back joy and ease to her daily routine
I found the Ozempic for smokers. Within aweek, I'd quit
Last November, the NHS announced a miracle cure for smokers: a demo graphic I’ve identified with from the age of 14.
Taking the plunge
Dancing On Ice star Mollie Pearce opens up about training for her toughest challenge yet.
Can McCullum's Midas touch turn white-ball sides to gold?
England coach worked miracles with Test team...now he must do it again
The London MP, her despot aunt and a scandal that won't go away
Tulip Siddiq's close links to a bloodthirsty regime leave her constituents with serious concerns
Markets in turmoil, zero growth and confidence smashed
It's a depressing picture, but Reeves could turn it around - if she'd listen to London
Chelsea swagger: Why SW3 is swinging again
With a wave of red-hot openings, this formerly supercool enclave of south-west London is the place to be once more
Advanced prostate care at Sage Urology
Prostate health is crucial for men over 50, with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and early prostate cancer being common concerns.
Lake Como & Lugano: your exclusive Alpine escape at Parco San Marco
Where the majestic Alps embrace the serene waters of Lake Como and Lake Lugano, Parco San Marco Hotels & Beach Resort offers a sanctuary of luxury and natural beauty.
Could Trump be the unlikely mastermind of world peace?
The Gaza ceasefire deal is his first win for the 'peace through strength' doctrine
