Andy Farrell angrily hits out at Ireland fans who are targeting Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley

Farrell desperately wanted this off his chest

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.”

After huge cheers for arrival of Crowley during Saturday's win over Italy, Farrell dismissed the idea that the crowd were happier to see Prendergast leave the pitch, than Crowley enter it.

“No, I don’t believe that. No. You’re making that up 100 per cent. I heard the cheer for Jack. That’s for Jack. Jack’s a good lad, you know? He’s a good player. And Munster supporters and Irish supporters are allowed to cheer that. We don’t need to make it out to be something it’s not.”