With Owen Farrell's England career firmly put on hold for the time being, and possibly forever, the question over his chances selection of a Lions has been raised.
With his dad Andy confirmed as head coach, his hopes of touring may be boosted, whether he his still playing his club rugby in England or made his expected move abroad.
When quizzed about the possibility, Lions chief executive Ben Calveley did not rule out the selection of overseas players or those who are not playing international rugby, and gave two examples in Will Greenwood and Finn Russell:
We don’t have a policy that closes off anyone from being selected.
If you just look at previous Lions tours, we’ve had people come on a tour who haven’t been playing for a national side.
Will Greenwood is a great example, even though we are going back a way there (1997). In 2021 Finn Russell was based in France, so we don’t have any restrictions on selection.
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19 August 2023; Ireland head coach Andy Farrell in conversation with England players Manu Tuilagi, centre, and Owen Farrell after the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
I’ve played with Owen for a long time and i can tell you it’s always been a privilege. HEART,brilliant leader on the pitch and a great rugby brain. Thank you for all your contributions to @saracens over the years mate. @owen_faz #WOLFPACK 🐺
— Jacques Burger (@Nabasboer) January 11, 2024
Andy Farrell was given the same line of questioning, and like Calveley, did not rule anybody out of selection.
“We’ll consider everyone in regards to whether they will make a difference too the Lions touring party. That’s all that matters,” Farrell said.
“It’s about form, it’s about watching the game properly. Selection, as far as that’s concerned, is the same as for everyone else. No different.”
There has been much speculation in recent weeks about the future of Owen Farrell, following his announcement that he would be taking a break from international rugby.
It had been reported by certain outlets that a summer move to Racing 92 had been confirmed, but this was swiftly denied by the French club.
When asked about it, Andy gave a response expected of any supportive father:
“It’s his choice. He does what he thinks is right for him in that moment in time. You can’t go wrong in that regard, can you?”
“It’s a player’s prerogative. It’s their career and it’s a short career. You’ve got to do things that float your boat, that make you and your family happy.
“A career is all about the memories you’re going to create, not just for yourself but for others as well."
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