Fri 26 Apr 2024 | 11:11

Statement: Owen Farrell to join World XV

Owen Farrell has been selected for the World XV as they take on France in Bilbao in June. The former England captain will join the likes of Maxime Machenaud, Camille Lopez, Mako Vunipola, Semi Radradra, Billy Vunipola and Tevita Tatafu who are all already confirmed.

Speaking ahead of the occasion, Farrell said:

“The prospect of playing for the World XV is incredibly exciting. This will be the first time I will have played for an invitation team such as the World XV and joining up with guys you normally line up against for club or country, such as Semi Radradra, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, in a less pressurised environment is something I am really looking forward to.”

The English player, whose father, Andy Farrell, current coach of Ireland, played for the World XV in 2006, has confessed to being excited about the opportunity to participate in this rugby match in Bilbao: “I am sure the players will want to get out there and play in an entertaining manner and put on an amazing spectacle for the Basque and French people to experience. No doubt the French team will also bring their notorious French flair come matchday too. It should be an awesome week and match in Bilbao.

"My dad played for the World XV in 2006 and combining the history of the World XV with all the players that have represented the team with what will be a very fun week for me, on a personal level will make the whole experience very special."

PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 23: James Haskell (R) commiserates with Owen Farrell of England after Farrell missed with a last kick of the match, drop goal attempt during the third test match between the South Africa Springboks and England at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Ian Foster, who will be assisted by Frenchman Patrice Collazo, coach of Montpellier and previously of other Top 14 teams such as La Rochelle, Toulon and Brive, had this to say about the addition of the English fly-half:

"I am delighted Owen has made himself available to play for the World XV against France in Bilbao. Having a player of Owen's ability, leadership and experience both at club level for Saracens and International level with England and the British & Irish Lions will be a massive asset to the World XV team.

“Owen has proven to be one of the most influential leaders in world rugby with outstanding contributions both on and off the pitch. Being in the World XV camp for the week will be no different, and I am sure he will be one of the key leaders in setting the tone, driving standards at training and on matchday too.”

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 02: (L-R) Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola and Owen Farrell of England line up for the national anthem prior to the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)