England head coach Steve Borthwick insists he remains \u201cvery positive\u201d about Owen Farrell despite the experienced fly-half being left out of his latest squad following his return from France.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n Farrell, 34, completed a summer move back to Saracens after a season with Racing 92, making him eligible once again for England selection. However, the former captain was notably absent from Borthwick\u2019s squad, making him the most high-profile omission and raising fresh questions about whether his international career has now reached its conclusion.<\/p>\n With 112 caps to his name, Farrell has been a central figure in English rugby for more than a decade. Yet Borthwick stressed that the decision was driven not by a lack of faith in the veteran playmaker, but by the depth of options currently available at fly-half.<\/p>\n \u201cI think very positively about Owen Farrell,\u201d Borthwick said. \u201cWe are pleased with what we have with George Ford and Marcus Smith, and then with George Furbank\u2019s ability to cover 10, Henry Slade\u2019s ability to cover 10. Max Ojomoh started the season at 10 for Bath. I am really confident we have that strength.\u201d<\/p>\n England\u2019s selection reflects a growing confidence in their playmaking resources, with Ford and Smith continuing to share responsibilities at fly-half, while several midfield and back-three players offer additional cover in the position. That versatility has allowed Borthwick to prioritise form, balance and long-term planning as he shapes his squad.<\/p>\n There was also reassurance regarding Fin Smith, who missed out through injury. The Northampton Saints fly-half has impressed at Test level, and Borthwick remains hopeful he will be available sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see Fin Smith\u2019s injury being a long one,\u201d he added. \u201cI am hopeful that Fin will be available for the Wales Test. That\u2019s tight, we need everything to go right. But I don\u2019t see him being unavailable for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n POLL <\/p>\n Only one rugby player in history has a bigger net worth than Dan Carter<\/p>\n 6\ufe0f\u20e3 Richie McCaw (New Zealand)<\/p>\n Estimated Net Worth: \u00a312\u201314 million Key Points:<\/p>\n Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2011, 2015)<\/p>\n Long All Blacks career with record appearances<\/p>\n Sponsorships with major brands (Adidas, aviation)<\/p>\n Post-retirement speaking engagements and business ventures<\/p>\n 5\ufe0f\u20e3 Brian O\u2019Driscoll (Ireland)<\/p>\n Estimated Net Worth: \u00a313\u201315 million Key Points:<\/p>\n Ireland and British & Irish Lions captain<\/p>\n Successful broadcasting career (punditry with BT Sport)<\/p>\n Brand ambassador for multiple companies<\/p>\n Post-retirement business roles<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Bio:\u00a0Widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker of all time, McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011, 2015). Known for his leadership, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.<\/p>\n
Bio:\u00a0Ireland\u2019s most capped player and one of the finest centres in rugby history. O\u2019Driscoll led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions to numerous successes and transitioned into media work after retirement.<\/p>\n