Sir Clive Woodward hopes Owen Farrell’s ‘fantastic opportunity’ can alter England’s ‘absurd’ policy

Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward hopes that the situation surrounding Owen Farrell is a catalyst for change.

The 32-year-old Red Rose centurion has been linked with a move away from the Premiership, with the fly-half reportedly ‘close’ to signing for Top 14 side Racing 92.

Farrell is already unavailable for England duty because of his decision to step back from Test rugby, but a deal with Racing would stop Steve Borthwick from selecting the playmaker for the duration of his contract.

RFU’s current position

Under the Rugby Football Union’s current laws, the head coach is unable to call up players that are plying their trade abroad.

This situation will certainly test the governing body’s resolve and Woodward wants to see the RFU ditch the policy.

“My overriding reaction when I heard Owen Farrell is in advanced talks to join Racing 92 was that it is a fantastic opportunity for him to move to Paris and take his game to another level,” he wrote in his Mail on Sunday column.

“Farrell can put himself under pressure to succeed in a totally different environment after spending his entire career with Saracens and England.

“There are no negatives around the proposed two-year deal except for the fact it will mean he can’t play for England. That is so wrong.

“The RFU should abandon their foreign selection rule. Farrell is just showing the absurdity of it all and highlighting how far behind England rugby is in its thinking and structure.

“It will be a great switch for Farrell on the field as well as off it, and a great life experience for him and his young family. Everyone in English rugby should be celebrating this move.

“Instead, many are questioning it because it means under the rules he can’t play for England.

“What nonsense. If Farrell — or any other player — is playing their club rugby in France or anywhere else, they should still be eligible for England.”

Woodward’s warning

Should Farrell sign a two-year deal, he will be absent from the England side until at least 2026, but Woodward has warned the RFU that it could be permanent.

“If the rules are not changed and changed quickly, I do not think we will see Farrell playing for England again, as he has already decided to take a break from Test rugby to prioritise his and his family’s wellbeing after being subjected to abuse from supporters,” he added.

“It is a policy born out of a negative mindset and all about ‘defending our patch’. It sets the wrong tone.”

READ MORE: Owen Farrell bombshell rocks English rugby as fly-half ‘close to joining’ Top 14 giants – report