England captain Maro Itoje says it would be “amazing” if Owen Farrell was planning a return to the international stage with his country.
Farrell, 33, won 112 caps for his country before taking a break from England duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Farrell, who captained England from 2018-2023, is now eligible again after leaving French club Racing 92 to return to Saracens for next season.
“I want to see him happy,” said British and Irish Lions captain Itoje, who is a team-mate of Farrell’s with the touring team in Australia and also once again with Saracens.
“If he wants to play for England, why not? That would be amazing if that is in his plans and in his dreams.
“Owen is one of the best England players that we’ve ever seen. A fit Owen Farrell makes any team better. If that’s in his ambitions, why not?
“I’ve had the honour and privilege of playing alongside Owen for all but one of the years I’ve played professional rugby. He’s a real team man. He always wants the team to do well. He’s quite selfless in that respect.”
Called up to replace Elliot Daly last week, Farrell took part in his first full training session with the Lions on Tuesday.
Itjoe – who took over from Jamie George as England captain before this year’s Six Nations, said he was excited about what the now four-time tourist can bring to the Lions table in Australia.
It is highly likely that Farrell, who can provide cover at fly-half and inside centre, will play against the AUNZ Invitational side in Adelaide on Saturday.
It will be 10 weeks since he last played a game, having suffered a concussion with his former club Racing.
“It’s pretty exciting to see what he could potentially bring to us,” said Itoje.
“Owen and I actually went to the same school. When I was in Year 7, he was in Year 10 – so I’ve known Owen since I was literally 11.
“But he didn’t start talking to me until maybe I was 12 or so. The Year 10s didn’t really speak to the Year 7s. When I got to Year 8, he started to talk.
“I have a very good relationship with him. And he just wants the squad to do well. He’s obviously back at Saracens now, which is great.”
Itoje, who returns to the side for Wednesday’s game against the Brumbies, was also asked if he is bemused at the way people react to Farrell.
“It’s quite remarkable, really,” he said. “He does provoke pretty strong reactions, either way. It’s pretty crazy.
“I’m sure he’s thinking, like, ‘what did I do?’ But no, he’s fine, and I think everything will be cool.”
