'I'm not old yet': Farrell opens door to return for England

Owen Farrell is considering making himself available for England again despite the social media "poison" that contributed to him stepping back from Test rugby last year.

- Robert Kitson

Farrell, who has been picked as captain of the British & Irish Lions in their final midweek tour game, now says he would love to emulate Johnny Sexton and keep playing at the highest level for as long as possible.

Farrell, who will turn 34 in September, has not played for England since the 2023 World Cup but has loved his involvement on the current Lions tour of Australia and sounds more open to the idea, if selected, of rejoining the England fold than at any stage since announcing his intention to take a break from international rugby to prioritise his and his family's "mental wellbeing".

Several of Farrell's Lions colleagues, having seen him slot seamlessly back into a leadership role since replacing the injured Elliot Daly this month, have asked the former England captain about his future plans and he admits to being inspired by the example of Sexton, who was still playing for Ireland at the age of 38.

"I'm determined to enjoy what I'm doing and love every minute of however long that I've got left," said Farrell, who will start at 12 for the Lions against a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium today.