Ellis Genge has the perfect response after Andy Farrell’s ‘keyboard warriors’ claim about Ireland ‘fans’

Fair play to Ellis, he's bang on the money

Farrell has insisted on opting for Sam Prendergast in recent matches, with Jack Crowley in contention to claim the spot, but mixed performances from both has only added fuel to the debate.

After he was asked about his selection for Saturday's Six Nations clash at Twickenham against England, Farrell took the opportunity to air his frustrations about the discussion.

Farrell said: “Do you know what, I might be talking out of school here, but in my opinion, for what’s gone on over the last year or something, especially with the keyboard warriors, I think people need to ask themselves, really, sometimes, ‘Are we Irish? Do we want people to do well or not?’”

“It can be tough for these kids. I’ve seen it, to-ing and fro-ing with both of them, and both of them are strong characters. It takes a lot to break kids like that. But I’ve seen it affect people.

“So, the keyboard warriors on Twitter, or whatever you call it now, need to cop on and try to help these kids.”

With England players also targeted by trolls following defeat by Scotland, speaking ahead of England's clash with Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday, Genge didn't hold back on his view of social media bullies.

"I f***** hate social media, to be honest, it's awful," he said. "It' just poisons people's minds and makes them feel invincible.

"I wish we could go back in time where unless you had someone's number you couldn't speak to them, unless you're on the front of the tabloids.

"But that's the world we live in, we've gotta deal with it, it's the pressure of being a professional sportsperson.

"I think Farrell is right, there are a lot of keyboard warriors who wouldn't say boo to a goose, I've met a few of them. It rings true. Never mind, it's the world we're in."