Owen Farrell has been left out of Steve Borthwick’s 36-man England training squad for the Autumn Nations Series, despite returning to Saracens and playing for the British & Irish Lions this year.
The former England captain stepped away from Test rugby after the 2023 World Cup to prioritise his mental health, before a stint at Racing 92 made him ineligible under RFU rules. But his June move back to Saracens, followed by a call-up to the Lions tour as injury cover, reignited speculation that he could add to his 112 caps.
MORE: ‘Farrell made me feel like vomiting’
That door remains shut for now, with Borthwick overlooking Farrell for a three-day camp at Pennyhill Park.
Asked about a possible comeback, Farrell told Sky Sports: “Well I’m going to get myself back to playing hopefully well for Saracens and enjoy myself and see where we’re at.”
England captain Maro Itoje, who sustained a concussion on Lions duty, features in a rehabilitation group alongside Elliot Daly, Tom Curry, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Will Stuart. England insist Itoje’s absence is precautionary, while all Lions players will serve a 10-week rest period.
There were few shocks in the squad, although Joe Carpenter, Gabriel Oghre, Max Ojomoh and Alex Dombrandt – all involved in the July tour – were omitted.
Farrell, who turns 34 later this month, is expected to make his second Saracens debut against Newcastle Red Bulls on 26 September.
England training squad:
Forwards – Fin Baxter, Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Ted Hill, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Bevan Rodd, Sam Underhill, Tom Willis.
Backs – Seb Atkinson, Oscar Beard, Fraser Dingwall, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Will Muir, Cadan Murley, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet.
Rehabilitation – Tom Curry, Elliot Daly, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje.
Not considered – Arthur Clark, Curtis Langdon, George Martin, Luke Northmore, Ollie Sleightholme.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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