'GOOD ON OWEN...BUT IT'S NOW TIME FOR A BIG RFU RETHINK'

Says Nick Easter

- Neil GOULDING

FORMER England captain Nick Easter has backed Owen Farrell’s decision to potentially end his international career and pursue his French dream.

And the well-respected No.8, who won the Six Nations and starred at three World Cups across 54 caps for his country, believes the Rugby Football Union (RFU) needs to get their act together and tackle the problems with international selection head-on.

England’s record points scorer Farrell has made waves this week by confirming a lucrative two-year deal to play for top French outfit Racing 92.

The experienced fly-half, 32, capped 112 times by his country, decided to take a break from international duty after the World Cup, but unless the rules are looked at, is now ineligible to represent England again until mid-2026.

“He’s certainly one of the top five England players of all time, that’s without a shadow of a doubt,” said Easter. “I fully support and endorse his decision. I think it’s a great move for him.

“You only have to look at what he’s done for the game and, more importantly, what his team-mates and coaches think of him, and also the opposition.

“I can tell you, speaking to a lot of opposition players, they didn’t like seeing his name on the teamsheet because they had a lot of respect for him.

“And that’s despite a lot of the vitriol which he has received – and I know a lot was made of that in the past.