Owen Farrell confirms his intention to return to international rugby in 2025
10/12/2024 01:47 AM
Owen Farrell might be getting comfortable in Paris, but his Lions dream is far from over.
The 33-year-old fly-half, who swapped Saracens for Racing 92 after last season, has hinted that he's still got the Lions on his mind – but he's playing it cool for now.
Speaking to Mail Online, Farrell said, “It's possible, but I'm not sure… The Lions are a huge deal for any British or Irish player, but it's all too far away.”
For now, Farrell's focus is on his new life in France, where he's trying to make his mark in the Top 14 with Racing. “I'm busy trying to settle in here and do my best for Racing. I have other goals, in the short and medium term,” he added.
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Could Farrell's France Move Block His Lions Dream?
Owen Farrell’s switch to French rugby has sparked debate in England, with concerns growing that it might hinder his chances of making the British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour of Australia. The RFU’s strict eligibility rules mean that players plying their trade abroad are overlooked for national selection. However, according to RUCK sources, Farrell has not officially called time on his England career, leaving the door open for further caps and a potential Lions call-up.
With 112 caps and holding the record as England's top points scorer with 1,237, Farrell's credentials are unquestionable. His achievements, including three Six Nations titles and a World Cup final appearance in 2019, demonstrate why his Lions aspirations remain as strong as ever.
Will the RFU Bend the Rules for Farrell?
Here's where things get sticky. Unless the RFU makes an exception, Farrell's absence from the Premiership could keep him out of the England squad, especially with Marcus Smith and George Ford currently flying the flag at No 10. However, there's always the chance that the RFU could change its eligibility rules or grant him a special exemption – but that's a big if.
A Saracens Return? Not So Fast…
Could Farrell make a grand return to Saracens? It's not off the cards, but don't hold your breath. With the current Premiership salary cap rules, clubs can only have one marquee player, and for Saracens, that slot belongs to Maro Itoje. Unless something changes there, a comeback to his old stomping ground looks tough.
Clubs on the Prowl – Where Could Farrell Land Next?
With Farrell's future up in the air, Premiership clubs are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation. Before Marcus Smith extended his deal with Harlequins, both Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers were interested in the young star. Now, as Leicester prepares for Handré Pollard's likely exit to Japan next summer and Bristol looks to bounce back from a rough patch, both clubs could be in the market for a high-profile fly-half like Farrell.
Sixteen England players expected to feature in Andy Farrell's 2025 British & Irish Lions squad
According to the latest odds, bookmakers have highlighted a compelling selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, combining established talent with rising stars.
Scrum-half selections are led by Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), with Alex Mitchell and Ben White battling for spots. In the pack, stalwarts like Maro Itoje (1/33) and Tadhg Furlong (1/8) headline, as rising players such as Ben Earl (1/5) and Caelan Doris (1/5) look set to play key roles. The odds reveal a blend of experience and fresh talent for the upcoming tour.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36), according to the odds
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 4/9
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 8/11
- George Furbank (England) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Owen Farrell (England) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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