Raising awareness.

England have looked hugely impressive at this year’s Six Nations with captain Owen Farrell leading the charge at ten. But why does he make a special sign that sees him link the index finger of each hand when he kicks at goal?

The symbol is a tribute to his biggest fan, 11-year-old Jack Johnson who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a debilitating muscle-wasting disorder. As Jack gets older his condition will worsen and worsen – and right now there is no cure.

But His mum Alex and dad Andy, who played alongside Farrell’s dad for Wigan in the 1990s, run a charity that is funding ground-breaking research to help find treatments and a cure.

“My dad [Andy Farrell] and Jack’s dad played together at Wigan and our families are very close.” Farrell told the Telegraph before the game

“The charity has been a huge part of our family’s lives. Everyone who donates or who tells their friends and they then go on to spread awareness or raise money, then they are helping us find a potential cure.”

“If I can help spread awareness by doing the salute when I kick a goal, it’s the least I can do.”

“Every time I kick a goal I do the Joining Jack sign which is two Js linked together for Jack’s charity and for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He is used to seeing the Joining Jack sign now but for him to run out at Twickenham will be special for him but equally it will be special for us as well.”