Owen Farrell, the England fly-half, has been announced to play for a World XV against France on June 22 in Spain. This news comes after Farrell took a step back from internationals in November to prioritize his and his family’s mental well-being. The match will take place at Athletic Club’s San Mames stadium in Bilbao, and it will be the first time Farrell plays for an invitation team like the World XV.
In a statement, Farrell expressed his excitement about the opportunity, mentioning that it will be a different experience to play alongside players he usually faces for club or country. He highlighted the less pressurized environment as something he looks forward to, playing alongside athletes like Semi Radradra, Camille Lopez, and Maxime Machenaud.
Former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster will lead the World XV team, which also includes Billy and Mako Vunipola. Foster expressed his delight at having Farrell on the team, emphasizing his abilities in leadership and experience at both club and international levels. Farrell’s two-year deal with French club Racing 92 means he is ineligible for Test selection, making the World XV match a significant opportunity for him to showcase his skills.