1 day ago
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Owen Farrell is back where he belongs, at Saracens and in English rugby, but the big question is whether he will hit the heights again - in terms of performance peaks - and return to the international scene.
Within days, the former national captain could be called up by the British and Irish Lions or England. That is a remarkable scenario, given the season he has endured at Racing 92. And it would make no sense at all.
It might not even take an injury to another fly-half for the door to swing open. Andy Farrell and Steve Borthwick know exactly what the 33-year-old can offer. As a Test centurion, he has been there and done it. He has the T-shirt - and the scars from so many battles over so many years as a renowned warrior.
What he does not have is any recent, relevant performance momentum at all.
The mantra at his official unveiling on Tuesday at StoneX Stadium was that Farrell needs to settle back into life at Saracens again to get himself 'in the best place possible' in terms of fitness and form.
Both have been absent from his game over the last year. So he should be left to unpack, regroup and find his feet at the club.
Owen Farrell will be back playing rugby in England next season after re-joining Saracens
Farrell could be playing Test rugby this summer either for the Lions (left) in Australia or England
Beyond the 10s already chosen, the Lions have others in front of Farrell in the standby queue. George Ford is one, Sam Prendergast another.
There was a telling moment on Tuesday when Farrell lauded England's current trio of 10s; Fin Smith, Marcus Smith and Ford.
Borthwick has so much playmaker quality at his disposal. The England head coach has a new first-choice who has appeared authoritative and assertive from the off; an X-factor alternative who also covers 15 and is reviving after a confidence dip; and a 99-cap master conductor.
England do not need to go back to Farrell, and there must be some doubt about whether Farrell needs the potential aggravation.
In the 20 months since he was last involved, the national team have evolved so much. The men at the heart of that overhaul deserve to maintain their primacy.
Farrell is never going to be a fringe figure. If he is brought back, he would be a dominant presence. That in turn might impact on others who have come to the fore. Maro Itoje is the captain now and he has such a long-forged bond with his returning club-mate, but having such a big name in the ranks might disturb the chain of command.
For Saracens, it is a coup to bring back an icon from exile. Farrell can have a profound impact in north London, at a time of transition. He can inspire a new generation of title-winners to emerge. His body has suffered a heavy toll from all the years of aggressive, body-and-soul commitment to every cause, but he could be capable of one last triumphant playing phase.
But it should be for club and not country. That ship has sailed. Others have the baton now, for the Lions and England.
Farrell is returning to Saracens next season (left) after being struck by injuries at Racing 92
His return to Saracens could help the club in its transition stage, for them it's a real coup
But for England head coach Steve Borthwick he has three excellent fly-half choices currently
It'll be no surprise to see Farrell return to action for England, but that ship has in reality sailed
Farrell still polarises opinion; there appears to be an even split of joy and dismay accompanying his return to the Premiership and the faintest prospect of an England recall.
Imagine if Borthwick did pick him again, putting noses out of joint, then the ploy backfired and the boos resumed. Why would a proud player expose himself and his family to the risk of such a scenario again.
He is not England's future. But here is a prediction which will not cause much shock: Farrell will wear the Red Rose on his chest again.
He will bring passion, experience and know-how to his new venture in coaching and it is almost impossible to envisage him not ending up in England's management team one day.
