Owen Farrell has been out of the England picture since the Rugby World Cup two years ago but his stellar career and form for Saracens has him part of the conversation once again
Owen Farrell should “never, ever” be written off and will keep pushing for an England recall claims ex-Saracens team-mate and World Cup winner Schalk Brits.
The South African hooker played alongside Farrell in north London during a trophy-laden period for Saracens, which coincided with the fly-half becoming England’s leading light. Farrell remain integral for England across three different head coaches en route to becoming his country’s top point scorer.
However he hasn’t played for his country since the Rugby World Cup in 2023, citing his need to put his mental welfare first following some stinging criticism. He to step away from the international scene before a brief stint in France, but he’s now back with Saracens and again part of the England 10 conversation.
George Ford has taken ownership of the shirt, enjoying a stellar autumn as England won all four games, but Brits insists Farrell will keep putting his hand up for selection with his performances.
He told CoinPoker: “I will never, ever write Owen Farrell off. He is one of those guys who takes ownership when things get hard on a rugby pitch. In the same breath, George Ford has been amazing in how he has bossed the game. The way he took charge in New Zealand – specifically those drop goals – was really special.
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“He has always been a mature, quality player, but his current form creates a great problem to have. If Owen Farrell can’t get in because of George Ford, he will keep pushing. That competition actually elevates the team.”
Farrell currently has Ford and both Marcus Smith and Fin Smith ahead of him in the pecking order. However he’s impressed with Saracens, largely playing centre, and will need to continue putting together strong showings if he is to catch the eye of Steve Borthwick with England currently on a roll.
They have put together an 11-match winning run – seeing off the likes of Australia and New Zealand – as Steve Borthwick’s side are talked up ahead of the next World Cup in less than two years.
Brits is reserving judgement for now and wants to see how they fare away from home after excelling at Twickenham in recent weeks. England will head down to South Africa in July next year in what will prove their biggest litmus test.
He said: “The big thing, however, is that you judge a team not when they win at home, but when they travel. I will wait to see how far in front – or behind – they are when they start touring.
“Twickenham is an intimidating place to play. There were a couple of calls that could have gone either way against New Zealand, but fair play to England. It is a fantastic win that will boost their confidence.”
