The only bigger certainty was that the new boss would have to field multiple questions about his son Owen's next move, specifically whether a potential switch to France's Top 14 might reduce the fly-half's chances of selection.
The current answer is no, despite Owen's recent decision to step aside from playing Test rugby for England. Farrell senior made clear that all players resident overseas would be eligible for the tour, a precedent having been set by, among others, the Paris-based Finn Russell in 2021. As the 48-year-old bluntly put it: "We'll consider everyone in regards to whether they will make a difference to the Lions touring party. That's all that matters."
Form, he was equally quick to stress, counted for more than a player's geographical whereabouts or what coloured jersey he was wearing.
He was also adamant his son would be treated just like anybody else, regardless of where he might be playing his club rugby next season. "Selection, as far as that's concerned, is the same as everyone else. It's no different."
In this case, however, it is not quite that simple. It already looks certain that players involved in the French league playoffs will miss the early part of the Lions tour, which starts with a warm-up game against Ireland in Dublin on Friday 20 June. Balanced against that is the likelihood the Lions will need at least one experienced 10, with Scotland's Russell currently the only nailed-on starting fly-half across the four home unions.
Nor, at this distance, is there a clear-cut tour captain in the Alun Wyn Jones mould, which is why some bookmaking sites are listing Farrell Jr as their shortest-priced bet to be skipper, ahead of England's Maro Itoje, Ireland's James Ryan and Wales's Jac Morgan. That all depends, of course, on Farrell declaring himself available to tour, with even his father insisting he does not yet know his son's future plans.
この記事は The Guardian の January 12, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は The Guardian の January 12, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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