Farrell Coy is looking for a fresh start as he follows his father to France for the ‘massive’ Lions tour.

Owen Farrell has confirmed that a return to international rugby would be ‘massive’ if he gets the chance to be selected for the British and Irish Lions’ upcoming tour of Australia.

Farrell’s father Andy, now Ireland coach, will lead the Lions to Australia for the first time in 12 years in 2025 and the inclusion of his son, who has featured in the Lions’ previous three campaigns, will be a huge boost. .

Farrell will be out of the international spotlight for most of 2024, leaving him unable to “prioritize his own and his family’s mental health” for the 2024 Six Nations.

He has since signed a contract with Parisian side Racing 92, which means he will be unable to feature as an England starter in the upcoming international competition in November. However, he could still be selected for the Lions as there is precedent for selecting overseas-based players into the squad.

The most notable recent examples include Scotland’s Finn Russell, who played in the 2021 Lions series while playing for Racing 92, and Wales veteran Leigh Halfpenny, who played in the 2017 series in New Zealand while playing for Toulon.

But even then, this is no guarantee that Farrell will be selected. Famously, Jonny Wilkinson turned down a place on the 2013 Lions tour due to clashes with the Toulon season. With the Lions’ warm-up match against Argentina and his first tour match against the Western Force, Farrell will be in contention for inclusion.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Farrell is considered a huge player but admitted his first focus will be finding his feet at Racing 92.

“It was great to find my way, hear a lot of stories and understand what the club is about, French rugby and French culture,” Farrell said.

“I’m enjoying how different the French lifestyle is. I really like it.

“There is still a long way to go when it comes to language. I enjoy trying to learn, but it still requires a lot of effort.”

Alex Corbisiero (left), Owen Farrell and Geoff Parling host the Tom Richard Cup after the win in an international test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on July 6, 2013. (Photo credit: David Rogers/Getty Images)

Farrell has plenty of time to rediscover his skills at Racing 92 but when asked he joined his father in being coy about the Lions prospect.

“It’s huge for the British players, but there’s still a long way to go,” Farrell said.

“It’s not something I’m thinking about at the moment. I’m busy trying to settle in here and give my best to racing.”