Owen Farrell set to make international return for France clash

Experienced Saracens and England fly-half Owen Farrell will make his return to international rugby as part of a World XV that will take on France in Bilbao in June.

Due to his impending move to French club Racing 92 ahead of the 2024/25 season, the 32-year-old, who is equally at home at inside centre, will be ineligible to play for England for at least the next two years.

Not in action in the Six Nations

Farrell was not in action during this year’s Six Nations as he decided to take a break from the international game to prioritise the well-being of his family.

Former All Blacks boss Ian Foster and Montpellier head coach Patrice Collazo will take charge of the World XV in a one-off match as part of Les Bleus’ preparations for their South American tour, where they will face Argentina twice.

Farrell will be joined in the World XV squad by long-time England and Saracens team-mates Billy and Mako Vunipola while fellow Test stars Maxime Machenaud, Camille Lopez, Semi Radradra and Tevita Tatafu have also been called up.

Farrell, who has represented England in 112 Tests and is his country’s record points-scorer, is looking forward to the prospect of playing for the invitational side.

“The prospect of playing for the World XV is incredibly exciting,” he said.

“This will be the first time I will have played for an invitation team such as the World XV and joining up with guys you normally line up against for club or country, such as Semi Radradra, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, in a less pressurised environment is something I am really looking forward to.”

The English playmaker’s father, current Ireland head Andy Farrell, also represented the World XV in 2006. The younger Farrell admitted to being excited to turn out in the upcoming fixture in Bilbao.

Jamie George and Maro Itoje yet to sign hybrid deals as England given hurry-up by Saracens

“I am sure the players will want to get out there and play in an entertaining manner and put on an amazing spectacle for the Basque and French people to experience,” said Farrell.

“No doubt the French team will also bring their notorious French flair come matchday too. It should be an awesome week and match in Bilbao.

“My dad played for the World XV in 2006 and combining the history of the World XV with all the players that have represented the team with what will be a very fun week for me, on a personal level will make the whole experience very special.”

Foster keen to work with Farrell

Meanwhile, Foster is excited by the prospect of coaching Farrell.

“I am delighted Owen has made himself available to play for the World XV against France in Bilbao,” he said.

“Having a player of Owen’s ability, leadership and experience both at club level for Saracens and International level with England and the British & Irish Lions will be a massive asset to the World XV team.

“Owen has proven to be one of the most influential leaders in world rugby with outstanding contributions both on and off the pitch. Being in the World XV camp for the week will be no different, and I am sure he will be one of the key leaders in setting the tone, driving standards at training and on matchday too.”

READ MORE: Ex-All Blacks boss set to return to the international fold after World Cup heartbreak