Owen Farrell breaks silence on Lions return and the 'poison' that drove him away from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup
The Englishman quit international rugby after the 2023 World Cup, where he was booed in stadiums and targeted with abuse on social media.
He spent last season playing in France and after 12 months out of the spotlight, he has found ways to not be overcome by outside noise.
'I understand that times are different and that things catch fire quicker, grow legs and just take a life of their own,' said the 33-year-old.
'Both are a poison… the good and the bad. There's times when people can say this, that and the other and it just goes over your head. And there's times where you're not in the best place of all time and you're almost waiting for something to set you off.
'You have to take it for what it is. Have some perspective. It's making sure I'm looking after myself, making sure I'm giving myself a break at times. I'm not someone who needs revving up too much. it's normally the other way of coming back down and relaxing.'
Farrell has been selected at inside centre for the game against the First Nations & Pasifika XV, starting outside England No 10 Fin Smith.
It was a tour-ending injury to Elliot Daly opened the door for Farrell to fly out to Australia as injury cover.
'When I got asked to come, the first thing that popped into my head was 'yes',' said Farrell. 'I'd just finished playing golf for Jackson Wray's testimonial. It was his testimony about four years ago, but he still had a golf day that he'd auctioned off!
'I just got asked to come on Tour and I thought I'd love to. Like this obviously massive. I went and did something different for a while and I'm coming back now. I appreciated my time in France. It obviously didn't go well and I was injured for a large period of it but I don't regret it. I'm happy with being back. The opportunity was there. I wanted to take it and I'm glad I'm here.'
Having stepped back into the international picture with the Lions, Farrell may soon face a decision on whether to return to England duty. His move back to Saracens makes him eligible for Steve Borthwick's but Farrell is yet to confirm his intentions.
'I don't know at this moment in time,' he said, when asked about playing for his country. 'I'm focused on what is happening now. I said before and when I signed for Saracens, I'm determined to enjoy what I'm doing and love every minute of however long that I've got left in the game that I love.
'My focus is what is in front of me here and when I get back to Saracens making sure that I'm myself. If I do that, I will enjoy it and we'll see what happens. There's loads left in us and I'm just determined to enjoy it. I'm really enjoying this tour.'
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