Former England captain Owen Farrell’s anticipated return to international rugby has been canceled.
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He was scheduled to play for the World XV against France on June 22, but the match in Bilbao has been called off for reasons related to its organisation.
The match in Bilbao – which was also set to feature the likes of Semi Radrada, Camille Lopez and Billy and Mako Vunipola – has been called off due to “reasons linked to the organisation of the match”, according to promoters Live Rugby.
Midi Olympique reports that a press release from the organisers issued on Thursday reads: “The promoter is endeavouring to find a new date in the international calendar for the organization of this match. Tickets already purchased will be fully refunded via the dedicated website.”
Farrell will join Racing 92 at the end of the season, making him officially ineligible for an England return.
However, the Lions have insisted overseas-based players will be considered if Farrell wants them in his squad, even if the finish date of the Top 14 means they might be unavailable for the early games.
“We don’t have a policy that closes off anyone from being selected,” chief executive Ben Calveley said.
“If you just look at previous Lions tours, we’ve had people come on a tour who haven’t been playing for a national side.
“Will Greenwood is a great example, even though we are going back a way there (1997). In 2021 Finn Russell was based in France, so we don’t have any restrictions on selection.”
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#1. Dave Attwood
Dave Attwood facts:
He made 157 appearances in Blue, Black and White over an eight-year period during his first spell at Bath before returning in 2022
His debut came against Newcastle Falcons at the beginning of the 2011/12 season after arriving from Gloucester, scoring four tries in his first campaign
The lock quickly established himself as a key player in the Bath pack and excelled at international level too, with 22 of his 24 England caps coming whilst at the Re
The former England international has also played for Bristol (twice), Gloucester and Toulon during his established career