Owen Farrell has officially declared ‘he’s back’ after stepping away from England duty in 2023 – and he’s not done yet.
Named captain of the British & Irish Lions for their final midweek clash, Farrell admits he’s itching to follow Johnny Sexton’s lead and keep performing at the top level for as long as possible.
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A New Lease of Rugby Life
Farrell, who turns 34 this September, hasn’t worn the England shirt since the 2023 World Cup. Yet the current Lions tour of Australia has reignited his passion and opened the door wider than ever to a potential England comeback, despite his previous vow to pause international rugby “to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing.”
Leadership Seamless as Ever
Stepping into the leadership breach after Elliot Daly’s injury, Farrell has slotted back into the fold with ease.
His Lions teammates, impressed by his form and drive, have peppered him with questions about returning to England duty. He’s taken inspiration from Sexton – still pulling on Ireland’s boots at 38.
“I’m determined to enjoy what I’m doing and love every minute of however long that I’ve got left,” said Farrell, who will start at 12 for the Lions against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.
“I’m not old yet. Johnny played forever and I’m obviously a half-back as well. There’s loads left in us and I’m just determined to enjoy it. I’ve come back to make the most of what I am doing. We’ll see what happens.”
Eyes on the Future
With the Lions tour still unfolding and England selectors surely watching, Farrell’s declaration could mark the first step back toward Test rugby. For now, he’s focused on savouring every minute in the red of the Lions – and perhaps plotting another chapter in the red of England.
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4 British & Irish Lions Stars That Proved Their Doubters Wrong This Tour
Here are the Lions who proved everyone wrong—and then some.
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1 & 2. Tom Curry & Tadhg Beirne – The Flank Freaks
Before the first Test, plenty were questioning Andy Farrell’s loyalty to Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne. Both had struggled to impress during the warm-up games, and many thought their best days were behind them.
Farrell stuck to his guns. And it paid off.
Curry was a force of nature—getting on the scoresheet early and showing off his full skillset in Sheehan’s try, where he started the move and finished it with the final pass. Add in some huge defensive shots and dominant breakdown work, and he looked every bit the world-class openside.
Beirne matched him blow for blow. Over 20 tackles, relentless aggression, and breakdown pressure that disrupted everything in gold. His engine just doesn’t stop.
Two men under pressure. Two colossal performances. Farrell’s faith was rewarded in full.
Curry silenced doubters with a standout display, highlighted by a slick line-out grab and assist for Dan Sheehan’s try early in the second half. He racked up 8 carries, 11 tackles, and a try himself, despite clearly favouring an injured arm.
But when it came time to bask in the praise, Curry wasn’t interested.
“I don’t know what world-class is. It’s such a cliche thing, isn’t it? The thing is to win, and I don’t really care what label you put on it. I gave everything, and that’s all I ask for from myself,” he told reporters — and that was about it.
The usually media-friendly flanker cut a short, no-nonsense figure. Job done. No chit-chat needed.
