Farrell Breaks Silence on England Future & Lions Hopes After Return from France
Rugby NewsTuesday, 17 June 2025 at 12:52
part of the Red Bull family – and he’s one of the most recognisable players in world rugby. On-field threat + off-field branding = marketing dream.
Owen Farrell has broken his silence on what comes next, as the England great reboots his career back where it all began — with Saracens.
The veteran fly-half returns to North London following a frustrating spell in France with Racing 92, where injuries stalled his impact and left his Paris move unfulfilled.
His switch abroad came after stepping away from England duties post-2023 World Cup, citing the emotional and mental strain of representing his country.
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UNSURE ON ENGLAND
Now back on home soil, Farrell is eligible for England again — but he’s not rushing anything.
He made it clear that his 2024 break from Test rugby was not a retirement.
“My only real thought so far is getting back to being happy and enjoying what I am doing and love my rugby again,” he told the
Telegraph
in a wide-ranging interview.
Asked if he’d like to wear the Red Rose again, Farrell said:
“Who knows what I will feel like in six months or a year’s time. The key behind all of it is that I am determined to be happy.
I have changed. Not in a way that is unrecognisable from before. But I have changed. I have looked at myself a lot and am still doing now. This is what makes me so determined to get it right.”
READY FOR LIONS?
He’s set to be on Sky Sports duty this Friday night as the Lions take on Argentina in Dublin — but if his dad, Andy Farrell, the Lions head coach, came calling mid-tour, would he be ready to answer?
“I can’t say,” Owen replied when asked if he would be ready to go.
“It is all very hypothetical, isn’t it? A lot would need to happen, and I need to make sure I am ready to go if that does come around. That is the only point that matters.”
If the call came, it would mark Farrell’s fourth Lions tour — having first been picked as the youngest player in Warren Gatland’s 2013 squad, before featuring again in New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021.
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? 6 Stars Red Bull Could Bring to Newcastle
Let’s dive into the names being discussed behind the scenes – starting with one of rugby’s true giants.
?? 1. Conor Murray
Status: Free agent
CV: 100+ Ireland caps, 3x Lions, Grand Slam winner
Why it fits: You want experience? Leadership? Big-game IQ? Conor Murray has it all. He’s just wrapped up 15 iconic years with Munster and is actively weighing up his next move.
CV: 100+ Ireland caps, 3x Lions, Grand Slam winner
Why it fits: You want experience? Leadership? Big-game IQ? Conor Murray has it all. He’s just wrapped up 15 iconic years with Munster and is actively weighing up his next move.
Racing 92 are circling, but Red Bull are believed to be pushing hard behind the scenes to hijack the move and bring him to the Premiership.
At 36, he’s not a long-term project – but as a tactical general to guide Newcastle’s rebuild, he’d be worth every penny. A true elite organiser with box-kicking precision and icy composure.
? 2. Liam Williams
Status: Free agent
CV: Lions, Wales Grand Slam hero
Why it fits: He’s explosive, fearless, and brings real edge. At 33, he’s still electric – and ready for one more high-profile challenge. A perfect face for the Red Bull revolution.
CV: Lions, Wales Grand Slam hero
Why it fits: He’s explosive, fearless, and brings real edge. At 33, he’s still electric – and ready for one more high-profile challenge. A perfect face for the Red Bull revolution.
? 3. Zach Mercer
Status: Available
CV: England No.8, Top 14 champ
Why it fits: Still just 27 and out of contract after leaving Gloucester. He’s physical, smart, and a born leader. Toulon are sniffing – but Red Bull could beat them to it.
CV: England No.8, Top 14 champ
Why it fits: Still just 27 and out of contract after leaving Gloucester. He’s physical, smart, and a born leader. Toulon are sniffing – but Red Bull could beat them to it.
? 4. Joe Marchant
Status: In the Top 14
CV: 21 England caps, Premiership title with Quins
Why it fits: A slick centre with pace and pedigree. Bonus? He’s engaged to Alan Shearer’s daughter, Hollie – a link that might just tip the scales.
CV: 21 England caps, Premiership title with Quins
Why it fits: A slick centre with pace and pedigree. Bonus? He’s engaged to Alan Shearer’s daughter, Hollie – a link that might just tip the scales.
? 5. Freddie Burns
Status: Free
CV: Prem winner, 200+ appearances
Why it fits: Game-changer, joker, leader. Freddie brings that clutch gene – and would be a steady hand in a new-look backline. Big-game player with serious charisma.
CV: Prem winner, 200+ appearances
Why it fits: Game-changer, joker, leader. Freddie brings that clutch gene – and would be a steady hand in a new-look backline. Big-game player with serious charisma.
? 6. Jack Nowell
Status: Red Bull athlete
CV: England, Lions, Exeter legend
Why it fits: He’s already
CV: England, Lions, Exeter legend
Why it fits: He’s already
Caveat: his past issues on synthetic pitches could be a factor. But if there's a way around that, he’s a no-brainer.
QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
Think you’re a true rugby nut? It’s time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.
12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?
Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?
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