When World Cup winning Nick Farr-Jones hung up his boots in 1993 it freed him to indulge in the kind of overseas experience denied him when he was playing for the Wallabies.
OE as the Aussies call it. He went to Paris, where he settled into a nice gig with the French multinational finance house, Société Genérale.
One of the delights Farr-Jones enjoyed in that city was the crack in the James Joyce pub on Boulevard Gouvion-Saint-Cyr. Spoof was a popular guessing game at the time, especially if you were sitting on a high stool. Tuesday night was spoof night in the James Joyce, and Farr-Jones was a devotee, pitting his wits against his new pals to see who would get lumbered with the next round of drinks. So, as it happens, was a buddy of ours from school, who worked in Bank of America’s Paris office.
Andy Farrell urges Ireland to lay down Six Nations marker against Wales
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is targeting Guinness Six Nations success (Donall Farmer/PA)
Andy Farrell says Ireland must make a statement of intent against Wales to demonstrate their Guinness Six Nations title credentials.
The Irish return to Cardiff on Sunday for the first time since a 25-7 defeat in 2019 saw the Welsh replace them as Grand Slam champions.
Head coach Farrell was unable to help his adopted country reclaim the crown during an inconsistent first year in the job, eventually finishing a prolonged tournament third behind England and France.