Owen Farrell opens up about England future and spot on British & Irish Lions tour

Owen Farrell at Twickenham after England's win over Ireland in the Six Nations.
Saracens’ Racing 92-bound star Owen Farrell has not ruled out a possible return to international rugby or being part of next year’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Due to his impending move to the French club ahead of the 2024/25 season, the 32-year-old, who is equally at home at fly-half or inside centre, will be ineligible to play for England for at least the next two years.
Farrell was not in action during this year’s Six Nations as he opted to take a break from the international game to prioritise the well-being of his family.
Still loves the game
He said, however, that his love for rugby has not declined.
“I’ve not said anything. I don’t know,” said Farrell when asked about his international future. “I’ve stepped back and there’s obviously a change happening next year (moving to France). Then we’ll see.
“There’s no point in saying anything now because I don’t know how I’m going to feel later down the line. We’ll see.”
Although the Rugby Football Union’s current rules prevent overseas-based players from playing for England, it’s a different situation with the Lions, who could select Farrell for their Australian tour in 2025.
His father, Andy Farrell, was named as the Lions’ head coach for that trip which includes a three-Test series against the Wallabies.
“Have I spoken to my dad about it? I’ve told him ‘well done’, if that counts,” said Farrell. “There’s nothing to talk about – whatever happens, happens. There are no decisions to be made about any of that.
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“When it gets closer to the time, I guess things become clear or they don’t. You see how people are at that time. There is nothing to talk about there at the minute.”
Farrell is set to play in his 250th game for Premiership champions Saracens when they face Harlequins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
After the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, where he was jeered by England fans, Farrell opted to take a break from Test rugby to spend time with his family.
“Obviously the World Cup was difficult at times but I really enjoyed the playing side of it and being involved,” he said.
“I want to play for as long as I possibly can as long as I am enjoying it.
“I love playing. That’s always been the case, even during the tougher bits as I’ve spoken about.
“I loved the game, and I loved the rugby. I want to enjoy all of it a bit more.
Focusing on club career
“I’ve been getting back to doing it here at the club, I’ve done that over this time during the Six Nations, and I want to really do that towards the end of the year. And then I want to get better at it next year as well.
“That’s how I think I am going to get the best out of myself and play my best. We’ll see what happens.”
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