"Not retired" - Steve Borthwick confirms Owen Farrell England return

Wednesday, 25 June 2025 at 10:35

byRugby Rucker

They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

Owen Farrell is officially back on English soil — and back in England contention — but don't expect to see him in a white shirt just yet.

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The 33-year-old fly-half has sealed a two-year return to Saracens, drawing a line under his brief spell with Racing 92 in France and making himself eligible for England once again.

This July, Steve Borthwick’s men head to Argentina for a two-Test series, followed by a Stateside clash with the USA in Washington. But with 13 of England’s big guns away with the British & Irish Lions, there were whispers Farrell might get the call.

Despite being available for England again, not so fast.

“Was Owen part of the plan? No,” Borthwick told Rugby Union Weekly. “He’s made it clear — he wants to get back playing and spend time with his family in Hertfordshire. We fully support that.”

That means England will head to South America with George Ford pulling the strings and uncapped Charlie Atkinson as his apprentice. Farrell’s versatility — equally at home at 10 or 12 — would have been handy, especially with Ollie Lawrence and Fraser Dingwall sidelined.

But for now, the 112-cap veteran will ease back into club life at Saracens — and England fans will have to wait a little longer to see him back in action on the international stage.

"I am not retired," confirmed Farrell

"The only point for me now at the minute is getting back here [Saracens] and loving what I'm doing.

"I really think I can do that while getting more out of me and that, therefore, hopefully puts me in a really good place to have a good impact here, and then who knows after that.

"That's the starting point for me."

English British & Irish Lions WAG's

Here’s a look at the women who’ll be backing the boys — and turning heads — every step of the way..

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.

The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Meg - Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)

Fellow England vice-captain Ellis Genge is in a relationship with his partner Meg. The blonde beauty often stays out of the spotlight, so not much is known about her, however, the pair share two sons, who Ellis absolutely dotes on.

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)

Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”