The England and Ireland head coaches clashed at half-time of the Six Nations match at Twickenham on Saturday.
It's unclear what sparked the altercation between the two coaches on the sideline, but cameras captured the two arguing and then trotting back to the locker room side by side.
Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell played together at Saracens during their playing days, and the England manager insists he and Farrell still have a “good relationship”.
Marcus Smith scored the winning drop goal on the last play of the match to give Ireland, who are chasing a double Grand Slam title, an unexpected 23-22 victory in a tense Six Nations match played at the home of English rugby. .
What was said?
After the match, Ireland manager Farrell laughed off the situation without revealing anything about the content of the altercation with Borthwick.
“Just: 'How are you doing, Steve?' It's nice to see you again. I haven't talked to you in a long time. It's okay,” Farrell said.
There seemed to be a bit of a disagreement between Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell 👀#ITVRRugby | #Guinness M6N pic.twitter.com/YvDJIWSH8x
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2024
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Meanwhile, Borthwick, asked about the incident, responded along a similar theme.
“That's a problem for Andy and me,” the England manager said. “I know people want to read too much into things, but Andy and I have a great relationship.
“We were co-captains together at Saracens and coached together at the Lions in 2017. I have incredible respect for him.
“We're perfectly fine, Andy and I have known each other for a long time and played together for England.
“We both played for England at the 2007 World Cup, so we go back a long way, but what he did for Ireland is really incredibly special. We had a great team and I thought today was a very special Test match.”
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Farrell talks about England
Meanwhile, Farrell was highly complimentary of England and Borthwick.
“Look at the quality of players they have,” Farrell said.
“Certainly when you’re recovering from a loss you tend to be a little more mentally focused and I hope that’s the case next week as well.
“We always prepare for every game so that everyone can perform at their best.
“I thought they were super tonight, I thought they were physical, challenging on the gain line and played some great rugby.
“To make a long story short, I actually thought England deserved to win.”
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