FARRELL BACK AT 'HOME' AND OPEN TO ALL OPTIONS

OWEN FARRELL admits the very thought of linking up with the Lions or making an emotional England comeback would “tie me in knots”.

- By Gary Fitzgerald

OWEN FARRELL admits the very thought of linking up with the Lions or making an emotional England comeback would “tie me in knots”.

But the former England captain insists he is certainly nowhere near retiring from international rugby and has left the door open to a potential summer somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere.

Injuries to Andy Farrell or Steve Borthwick’s touring squads may well see the 33-year-old fly off to Australia, or Argentina and America, days after returning to his Saracens “home” following a short, frustrating year at French club Racing 92.

Farrell, who struggled with injuries, and then a concussion that required him satisfying the return-to-action protocols, is mentally and physically getting back up to speed.