Steve Borthwick opens up on Owen Farrell’s England future after veteran’s omission for Autumn Nations Series
England head coach Steve Borthwick (inset) and veteran plamaker Owen Farrell.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed that Owen Farrell is focusing on representing Saracens in the Prem for now but said he is keeping an eye on all English players eligible for Test rugby.
Despite being eligible to make a return to Test action, after rejoining Saracens following a year with Top 14 outfit Racing 92, Farrell was omitted from England’s 36-member squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
The Red Rose’s end-of-year campaign will see them facing Australia on November 1, Fiji on November 8, New Zealand on November 15, and Argentina on November 23.
Last played for England at 2023 Rugby World Cup
Farrell is a former England captain, who last played for his country when they beat Argentina in their third-place play-off at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The 34-year-old made the decision to step away from the international game after the global showpiece to prioritise his and his family’s mental health.
The utility back, who is equally adept at playing at fly-half or inside centre, returned to international action earlier this year when he came off the replacements bench for the British & Irish Lions in their second and third Tests of their three-Test series against the Wallabies which the famous touring side won 2-1.
In June, Farrell revealed that he has “not retired” from England selection after he returned to Saracens from his stint with Racing 92.
Despite winning 112 England caps and making eight Test appearances for the Lions on four separate tours, Borthwick opted not to include Farrell in his squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
“Owen has gone out quite publicly and said a number of times that for right now, it’s just to get back to playing rugby back in England, enjoying his rugby after a difficult year injury wise last season,” Borthwick told Sky Sports.
‘I don’t think that’s a discussion for right now’
“We’re only a handful of games into this season, so I don’t think that’s a discussion for right now.
“I’m delighted with the players that are here and the exciting depth of talent we have.
“My attitude to these kind of situations is that the door is never closed. As far as I’m concerned, I’m watching every English player playing.
“What I would say is, there’s a lot of very good players in the squad right now. Players that I am enjoying working with.”
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