Owen Farrell has already given a very clear response when asked whether he would ever consider swapping England for Ireland.
The former England captain has a strong connection to Irish rugby.
His father, Andy Farrell, has enjoyed huge success as Ireland head coach, while Owen also has Irish ancestry through his mother’s side of the family.
That has led to one question popping up more than once: could Farrell ever pull on the green jersey himself?
Farrell, though, has shown little interest in the idea.
When previously asked whether he would consider representing Ireland, his response was just two words:
“Absolutely not.”
Could Owen Farrell actually play for Ireland?
Despite the family connection, Farrell is not currently eligible to represent Ireland.
Under World Rugby’s Regulation 8, a player who has already represented one country can switch allegiance in certain circumstances.
They must have gone at least three years without representing their original nation.
However, there is another important requirement.
Owen Farrell, Captain of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
The player must qualify for their new country through their own birthplace, or through a parent or grandparent who was born there.
That is where Farrell falls short.
His mother is Colleen O’Loughlin, while his maternal grandfather, former rugby league player Kieran O’Loughlin, was born in Wigan.
Farrell’s Irish roots stretch further back in the family tree, so they do not meet World Rugby’s parent-or-grandparent requirement.
Ireland claim went viral
The subject resurfaced when a social media post claimed Farrell could become Ireland-qualified after completing a three-year international stand-down.
The claim quickly gained traction and sparked plenty of debate among rugby supporters.
However, as RUCK explained when the claim emerged, completing the three-year stand-down is only part of the process.
Farrell won 112 caps for England and last represented his country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
But even after three years away from Test rugby, his ancestry would still prevent a switch to Ireland under the current rules.
Judging by Farrell’s own response, it is not something he is interested in anyway.
“Absolutely not.”
