Owen Farrell returns to Saracens – Lions and England chances?

Owen Farrell returns to Saracens – Lions and England chances?

Owen Farrell, known as one of rugby's leading players, is returning to his heart club Saracens after a season with French club Racing 92. Today has The Guardian reported on his return, revealing that he is focused on regaining his fitness and enjoying the game rather than thinking about hypothetical selections for the national team or the British and Irish Lions.

Farrell turns 34 in September and has clear priorities: “I want to spend my remaining playing days at Saracens,” he said. After an injury-related absence that ended his last season prematurely, he is settling back into his hometown of Harpenden and improving his fitness. He is not indifferent to his 112 caps for England and is by no means ruling out a return to the national team.

Conversations and future perspectives

Farrell has already held talks with England coach Steve Borthwick, who recently visited him in Paris. He could possibly take part in the upcoming training camp, but this depends heavily on other players' injuries. Previously, Farrell had stated that he had "not resigned" and discussions about a hypothetical return to the national team were "hypothetical", as Sky Sports reported.

In addition to his return to Saracens and the opportunity to play for England again, Farrell will also be a pundit for Sky Sports when the British and Irish Lions play Argentina, which kicks off the tour to Australia.

Experiences and challenges

Farrell has already taken part in three Lions tours and his father Andy Farrell, the current Lions coach, has stressed the door remains open for Owen, who will not be in the first squad. Owen reflects positively on his experiences so far, particularly the tour to Australia in 2013. Despite the challenges his career has brought, he has stressed that he has enjoyed his time in the England team and is ready to improve.

With uncertainty over future options for the team's most important position and the need to focus on his own performance first, Farrell is showing a realistic and measured approach to his return to rugby. As he settles into the new season, it remains to be seen what role he will ultimately play, both at Saracens and in international rugby.