Owen Farrell has not been part of the England squad for some time (Image: Getty)
was a permanent fixture in the squad for a decade up to 2024. However, the fly-half will not take part in the 2025 .
Farrell was a key player for most of Steve Borthwick’s reign as England boss. He played a prominent role in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, although some of his performances in France attracted criticism. The 33-year-old was sent off in a warm-up clash with Wales and his form subsequently wavered.
Having faced boos from his own fans during the tournament, Farrell announced that he would be taking a step back from international rugby. Borthwick’s former captain did not play in the 2024 Six Nations, nor will he take part in the upcoming 2025 edition.
However, there is another key reason why Farrell cannot be called up by England even if he changed his mind about appearing for his country. At the start of the 2024-25 season, the ex-Saracens captain joined Racing 92 in France’s Top 14.rugby
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It means that Farrell is not eligible to be picked by England at the moment. Rules state that players wanting to play for the Red Roses must be playing in the Gallagher Premiership.
Farrell signed a two-year deal with Racing, meaning he will not play in an England shirt until the summer of 2026 at the earliest. That is unless he seals a move to a Premiership side before then.
The move came after Farrell was subjected to online abuse during the World Cup. “The World Cup was difficult at times, but I really enjoyed the playing side of it,” Farrell said last March. “I have just tried to get back to enjoying my rugby and loving what I am doing and I am working to do that.
“I guess you sit and watch any massive game and wish you were involved, but I’m happy with the decision at the moment, not to say that won’t be up and down.”
Owen Farrell was Steve Borthwick’s England captain (Image: Getty)
Explaining his decision to step away from international rugby, Farrell added: “It’s lots of things. It’s never one thing why you come to a decision, it’s never just a specific one.
“I thought it would be the best thing for me and obviously there’s a change happening off the back of it as well.”
Farrell’s move to Racing has not gone entirely to plan. Injuries have prevented him from having a larger impact in France.