After England’s devastating 16-15 defeat to South Africa in the Rugby Union World Cup over the weekend, discussions once more centered on the possibility of Owen Farrell making a switch to the 13-man code.
For quite some time, there have been associations between Farrell and a potential move to his hometown club, Wigan Warriors.
Speaking to the Mirror back in May, Farrell said: “I always wonder if I could do it, if I’d be any good. I love the game, I love watching Wigan, and I’m obsessed with the NRL. I watch as much as I can.
“Until I moved down south, until there was talk of my dad moving to rugby union, I didn’t know what rugby union was. Like, I’d see the England games sometimes and see the World Cup, and I’d see some Six Nations, but I weren’t really into it, if I’m honest.”
However, The Telegraph seems to have put an end to these speculations by reporting that England head coach Steve Borthwick is eager to have Farrell serve as the emblematic figure for the rugby union nation in the four years leading to the upcoming World Cup.
The Telegraph said: “The standard-bearer for the next four-year cycle is most likely to be Owen Farrell. Whether the Saracens fly-half retains the captaincy all the way to the World Cup in Australia in 2027 remains to be seen.
“But given the physical conditioning of the 32-year-old, and the way he looks after his body, it is thought that Borthwick believes Farrell will play a key role in the next cycle, similar fashion to that leadership and game management influence that Johnny Sexton delivered for Ireland over the last four years.”
While the passage doesn’t outright confirm Farrell’s future, it represents the most significant clue to date that he may continue his career in the 15-man version of the sport.
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“Posh ***t” – Four rugby stars Owen Farrell can’t stand
#1. Dave Attwood
Dave Attwood facts:
He made 157 appearances in Blue, Black and White over an eight-year period during his first spell at Bath before returning in 2022
His debut came against Newcastle Falcons at the beginning of the 2011/12 season after arriving from Gloucester, scoring four tries in his first campaign
The lock quickly established himself as a key player in the Bath pack and excelled at international level too, with 22 of his 24 England caps coming whilst at the Re
The former England international has also played for Bristol (twice), Gloucester and Toulon during his established career