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Owen Farrell has confirmed it would be ‘massive’ to return to international rugby, should the opportunity for selection for the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour to Australia arise.
Farrell’s father, Andy, the current head coach of Ireland, is set to lead the Lions back to Australia for the first time in 12 years in 2025 and could be well served by the inclusion of his son – who has featured in three previous Lions campaigns.
Farrell has been out of the international limelight for most of 2024, making himself unavailable for the 2024 Six Nations “to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being.”
Since then, he has signed for Parisian side Racing 92, making him ineligible for England selection for the upcoming November Internationals – however, he could still be picked for the Lions as there is a precedent for picking players based overseas in the squad.
Most notable recent examples included Scotland’s Finn Russell, who played in the 2021 Lions series while playing for Racing 92, and Wales veteran Leigh Halfpenny, who played in the 2017 series in New Zealand while playing for Toulon.
However, despite this, that doesn’t guarantee Farrell would be up for selection – famously, Jonny Wilkinson turned down a place in the 2013 Lions tour due to a clash with the Toulon season – and with the Top 14 finals set to overlap with the Lions’ warm-up match against Argentina and their first tour match against the Western Force, Farrell would be in a race to be included.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Farrell admitted that while being considered would be massive, his first focus was to find his feet at Racing 92.
“It’s been nice for me to find my way and listen a lot and get to understand what the club is about, and French rugby and French culture,” said Farrell.
“I’m enjoying how different it is, the French way of life, it’s nice.
“I’ve got a long way to go with the language. I’m enjoying trying to learn it but I still need to make a big effort.”
Alex Corbisiero (L), Owen Farrell and Geoff Parling hold the Tom Richards Cup as they celebrate after their victory during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at ANZ Stadium on July 6, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
While Farrell has plenty of time to rediscover his form at Racing 92, when asked, he remains coy about his Lions prospects, and joining his father down under.
“It’s a massive thing for any British player, but it’s a long way away,” said Farrell.
“It’s not something I’m thinking about at all at the moment. I’m busy trying to settle in here and do my best for Racing.”
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