Owen Farrell will be eligible for the British and Irish Lions in 2025, even after he decided to leave Saracens to sign for Racing 92 in the Top 14.
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That is according to Lions chief executive Ben Calveley, who stated that no one is barred from being considered for the squad.
The French Top 14 side said the former England captain has signed a two-year deal starting on 1 July. Farrell had spent his whole career at the StoneX Stadium having made his debut aged 17.
“We don’t have a policy that closes off anyone from being selected,” the CEO said.
“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.”
Andy Farrell’s appointment as head coach has sparked speculation about the chances of his son touring and possibly even being named captain.
While Farrell has a track record of fairness and impartiality, as evidenced by his suggestion that Warren Gatland should select Jonny Wilkinson over his own son Owen for the 2013 tour, the familial connection inevitably raises questions about potential favouritism.
“We’ll consider everyone in regards to whether they will make a difference too the Lions touring party. That’s all that matters,” Andy 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.”
The current 36-man 2025 Lions squad, according to the bookies
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV.
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11
- Mack Hansen (Ireland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- George Ford (England) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 8/11