Owen Farrell to play one last international with World XV before becoming ineligible for England selection… ahead of blockbuster move to French giants Racing 92
- The former England captain will leave Saracens at the end of the season
- Farrell initially withdrew from international duties on mental health grounds
- The 32-year-old will play under Ian Foster alongside Mako and Billy Vunipola
Former England captain Owen Farrell is now ineligible for Test selection after signing for Racing 92, but he will feature in one more international this summer before switching to the French giants.
Farrell will leave his youth team Saracens at the end of the current season. Playing his club rugby in the TOP14 will make him unavailable to England head coach Steve Borthwick.
But before he heads off to pastures new, Farrell has agreed to play for a World XV against a France XV in Bilbao on June 22. Former New Zealand head coach Ian Foster will be in charge of the World XV. Farrell’s teammates include his current Saracens colleagues Mako and Billy Vunipola, as well as Fiji’s Semi Radradra and France’s Maxime Machenaud and Camille Lopez.
“The prospect of playing for the World XV is incredibly exciting,” said Farrell.
‘This will be the first time I’ve played for an invitational team like the World environment.’
Owen Farrell will enjoy one last run in international rugby in the near future
The former captain resigned from his international duties after last year’s World Cup
Farrell initially quit England after leading Borthwick’s team to a third-place finish at the World Cup last year to prioritize his and his family’s mental health.
But then came his Racing switch that ended his career in England for the time being.
The World XV and France XV match is not an official test, but will still be a draw between two teams packed with quality. France will use the match to prepare for their summer tour of Argentina, but they will not be able to pick the players who will play in the TOP14 semi-finals that weekend.
Farrell’s father Andy, the current Ireland head coach, also played for the World XV in 2006.
“I’m sure the players will want to go out and play in an entertaining way and put on a great show for the Basque and French people,” Farrell said.
‘Undoubtedly the French team will also bring their infamous French flair on match day. It should be a great week and match in Bilbao.
“My father played for the World XV in 2006 and combining the history of the World
Foster is delighted to be able to call on a player like Farrell, the top scorer in English rugby history with 1,237 and the third highest with 112.
Farrell was in the stands to watch England take on Ireland at Twickenham in this year’s Six Nations
Farrell’s father – and current Ireland head coach – Andy played for the World XV in 2006
Former New Zealand head coach Ian Foster is delighted to welcome Farrell to the squad that will play France this summer
“I am delighted that Owen has made himself available to play for the World XV against France in Bilbao,” said Foster. ‘Having a player of Owen’s ability, leadership and experience, both at club level for Saracens and at international level with England and the British & Irish Lions, will be a huge asset to the World XV team.’
Owen has proven to be one of the most influential leaders in world rugby, making outstanding contributions both on and off the field.
“Being in the World XV camp this week will be no different. I am sure he will be one of the key leaders in setting the tone and driving standards in training and also on match day.”
Tickets for the match between the World XV and France XV are already on sale via www.thematchrugby.com, with prices for adults from €35 and children up to 14 years from €17.50. Discounts apply for groups of 10 or more people.