For Owen Farrell, playing for the British and Irish Lions is a dream that remains within reach, but it's one that he’s putting aside for now. At 33, and having been part of the past three Lions tours, he’s no stranger to the honor that comes with being selected. Yet, as the Lions prepare for their upcoming tour of Australia, Farrell’s focus is on something much closer to home—or rather, his new home.
This summer, Farrell made a significant career move, swapping England for Paris to join Racing 92, a shift that has rendered him ineligible for England’s national team selection. But while his eligibility for the Lions remains intact, the seasoned fly-half isn’t allowing himself to get caught up in the excitement just yet.
“It’s a massive thing for any British player, but it’s a long way away,” Farrell said, with his eyes firmly on the present. “It’s not something I’m thinking about at all at the moment. I’m busy trying to settle in here and do my best for Racing.” His words reflect a man fully immersed in the challenge of adapting to life in a new country, a new league, and a new culture—both on and off the field.
A Long Road to Australia
While Farrell plays down the possibility of being called up for the Lions tour, the potential remains. His father, Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell, will lead the Lions down under, and there’s historical precedent for overseas-based players making the squad. In fact, Racing 92 has a history with the Lions. Scotland’s Finn Russell toured South Africa in 2021 while playing fly-half for the French club, and Leigh Halfpenny, then with Toulon, was part of the Lions’ 2017 New Zealand tour.
Yet, the challenges ahead are more complex than they might seem. Farrell's decision to join Racing 92 presents some hurdles—chief among them, the timing of the French Top 14 league. The semi-finals and final of the Top 14 season will be held on June 21 and 28, while the Lions will be in the midst of their preparations, including a warm-up match against Argentina on June 20. Any player involved in the Top 14 final would only become available to the Lions after July 5, leaving precious little time to gel with the squad before the first Test against the Wallabies on July 20.
The logistics and calendar clashes could weigh heavily on Farrell's potential inclusion. Similar issues kept England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson out of the 2013 Lions tour of Australia while he was playing for Toulon. Farrell's situation mirrors Wilkinson's in many ways, though Farrell has yet to publicly address how the calendar might impact his decision if selected.
Adapting to a New Life in Paris
For now, Farrell is far more focused on his immediate surroundings. Racing 92 didn’t make it to the semi-finals last season, and this year they’ve had a rough start, sitting 10th in the Top 14 standings after three losses in their first five games. Farrell has been a regular starter for the Parisian side, but he’s taken a more measured role than many would expect from such a high-profile player.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to come into a new club and be overpowering, speak too much,” Farrell said, acknowledging that he’s had to find his feet in an unfamiliar setting. Scrum-half Nolan Le Garrec has been making many of the tactical decisions, and Farrell has even handed over the goal-kicking duties in recent matches, admitting that a “little knock” has limited his ability to kick.
For Farrell, this new chapter in his career is as much about personal growth as it is about rugby. “It’s been nice for me to find my way and listen a lot and get to understand what the club is about, and French rugby and French culture,” he said. His move to France isn’t just about playing the game; it’s about embracing a different lifestyle, one that he admits he’s enjoying.
“I’m enjoying how different it is, the French way of life, it’s nice,” Farrell shared, though he concedes that he’s got “a long way to go” with the language. Learning French has been a challenge, but he’s relishing the opportunity to immerse himself in the culture, even if it’s a slow process. “I’ve got a long way to go with the language. I’m enjoying trying to learn it but I still need to make a big effort,” he added.
The Lions Watching from Afar
Despite Farrell’s focus on Racing 92, there’s no doubt that Andy Farrell and the Lions coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on him—and many other potential Lions playing in France. Farrell isn’t the only British or Irish player making waves in the Top 14. England back row Jack Willis and Scotland back Blair Kinghorn are both at Toulouse, while Kyle Sinckler, another England mainstay, has made a strong start at Toulon since leaving Bristol.
Scotland scrum-half Ben White is also part of the Toulon squad, while England wing Henry Arundell, like Farrell, opted for Paris and Racing. With such a wealth of talent playing in France, it’s likely that Andy Farrell’s scouting network will be more active than ever across the Channel.
Owen Farrell’s journey this season is one of adaptation, both in his career and his life. His move to France is emblematic of a player in the twilight of his career, seeking new challenges while still holding on to the possibility of achieving something great. His measured approach to the Lions discussion shows maturity and focus, but one can’t help but feel that, deep down, the desire to wear the famous red jersey once more burns just as brightly as it always has. Farrell's story is a testament to the balancing act athletes often face between professional ambitions and personal fulfillment, a journey that resonates beyond the rugby pitch.
