"Hopeful" – Steve Borthwick gives update on Owen Farrell England return
Today at 08:41 AM
Steve Borthwick remains confident that Owen Farrell will eventually pull on an England shirt again—despite the fly-half being unavailable for the next two years.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Farrell, 32, sealed a two-year deal with a French Top 14 club starting last July, marking the end of an era at Saracens, where he had been a mainstay since making his debut as a 17-year-old.
Back in November, he stepped away from international duty to focus on his mental health, relinquishing the England captaincy in the process.
Borthwick made no secret of his admiration for the playmaker, saying: “The first thing I'll say is that I'm full of admiration for this guy, as a man, a player and a leader. It takes a lot of courage to do what he's done.”
The England boss also pointed to wider issues in the game, adding: “In England alone, we've seen a player—the captain—and two match officials step away at the top of their game because of certain issues. There are societal issues here. The online hate that is spread is not OK, it's not right.”
When pressed on whether Farrell would return to the Test arena, Borthwick said: “I am really hopeful he does. This is one of England's greatest-ever players, greatest-ever captains. I've made it really clear there is no pressure on him—that's his decision, at the time that's right for him.”
And while England will have to adapt without their talisman for now, Borthwick insists Farrell's influence remains: “Any team in the world would miss an Owen Farrell, but the work he has done to help create a foundation over these last months—to help reset the England team and move forward—that is part of his legacy through this tournament.”
EDITORS PICKS:
- 'My rugby career was ended by Maro Itoje, I now have a completely new career'
- Bad News for Rugby Fans: 2027 World Cup Heading Behind a Paywall
- Lions fly-half rules himself out of Andy Farrell's 2025 tour selection
- Fiji set to face England in a thrilling lineup of four blockbuster fixtures
- Leaked England selection suggests Marcus Smith has been DROPPED
Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start
Bookmakers have released their predictions for the British & Irish Lions’ starting XV to face Australia in the 2025 tour, highlighting a squad dominated by Irish talent and featuring only one English starter.
The anticipated lineup, along with the latest odds for each position, is as follows:
Forwards
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2
A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland's pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10
One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland's recent successes.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13
Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5
The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he'll be vital for the tour.
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2
A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster's second row. He's quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.
6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.
7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9
England's standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl's dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions' back row.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4
One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post “Hopeful” – Steve Borthwick gives update on Owen Farrell England return appeared first on Ruck.
