- Farrell’s move to Racing 92 in France could undermine his Lions ambitions
- The 33-year-old is seen as a contender to join the squad led by his father Andy
- Farrell insists the Lions tour is too far away for him to be consider at this stage
Owen Farrell has hinted at his enduring Lions ambition, despite a relocation to France which could undermine the ex-England captain’s hopes of being picked for the tour of Australia next summer.
The 33-year-old fly-half is still finding his feet at Racing 92, after leaving Saracens at the end of last season to join the Parisian club.
Farrell and his new team-mates have endured a difficult start to their Top 14 league campaign; losing three of their first five games, but the Test centurion is still seen as a contender to join the British and Irish crusade Down Under, overseen by his father, Lions head coach Andy.
Ahead of Racing’s home league clash with southern rivals Toulon on Saturday, Farrell was asked about his hopes for the tour and said: ‘It’s possible but I’m not sure.’
‘The Lions are a huge deal for a British or Irish player but it’s all too far away. It’s not something I’m thinking about at the moment.
Owen Farrell has hinted at having Lions ambition despite relocating to France with Racing 92
Farrell is seen as a contender to join the Lions squad Down Under, led by his father Andy, right
Farrell, pictured playing for the Lions in 2021, insisted the tour is too far away to think about
The 33-year-old stressed he is focused on Racing after joining the Top 14 side from Saracens
‘I’m busy trying to settle in here and do my best for Racing. I have other goals, in the short and medium term.’
Farrell’s ability to make an immediate impact across the Channel has been hampered in part by a minor muscle strain which has led to the renowned goal shooter handing over the kicking duties to his half-back partner, Nolann Le Garrec.
When asked about not emerging as a leader for Racing yet, he said: ‘Nobody is going to come to a new club and hope to become the boss. So, I observe, I listen, I learn, and I discover what the club and French rugby are all about.’
At a press conference for local media, there was also a question about whether he missed England and Farrell replied: ‘Not yet, I’ve only just got here! I’m enjoying how different it is; the French way of life, it’s nice.’ And how about learning the language? ‘I have a long way to go,’ he added. ‘But it’s fun.’
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