Owen Farrell

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell is set to be available for England's opening Six Nations match against Scotland, the Rugby Football Union have confirmed.

[RFU](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/england) confirmed that the 31-year-old fly-half would be available for selection against the Bears. However, Farrell’s ban could be reduced by a week by completing World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme. Though he would not usually be available for the last Premiership fixture before the Six Nations starts, in this case, the match against Bristol on January 28, Farrell’s last week of the ban will be served then.

Owen Farrell is set to be available for England's opening Six Nations game against Scotland on February 4 after the Rugby Football Union confirmed his ban ...

After a three week ban and completing the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, Farrell would be available for selection for England v Scotland on Saturday 4 February 2023.” On Saturday, the RFU said the 31-year-old fly-half would be available for selection against the Bears. The four-match suspension would have prevented him from running out at Twickenham in Steve Borthwick’s first match in charge.

England defence coach Kevin Sinfield says Owen Farrell is determined to improve his tackle technique heading into the Six Nations.

“England can absolutely win the Six Nations and the World Cup. “The sooner we can educate, develop and work with younger players on tackle height, it makes the game safer for everybody. Since the 2019 World Cup, Jones picked virtually the same players almost regardless of their club form. You run the risk if you tackle high of getting it wrong. That includes how we practise tackling. It’s something he must do.” said Sinfield

The biggest talking points from across the rugby world this weekend ... England head coach Steve Borthwick has been given the green light by the Rugby Football ...

“It was a cracking game till the numbers went down,” Stormers head coach John Dobson said. Irish head coach Les Kiss viewed it as whiplash from an initial chest-on-shoulder collision and said of the referees “whatever direction they are getting, they’re not being led well”. Meanwhile Saracens’ England lock Maro Itoje limped off with an ankle injury, while flanker Ben Earl was eye-catchingly all-action. But players have been warned constantly about upright tackles, and pundits Delon Armitage and Sam Warburton were correct to say Loader’s (below) technique was wrong. Another disciplinary hearing with Six Nations implications is imminent after Exeter Chiefs’ Henry Slade was sent off against the Bulls in Pretoria. And while Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall believes there has been too much outcry over Farrell’s tackle, you wonder what Scotland coach Gregor Townsend might have to say on it

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith in his squad for the Six Nations, with Billy Vunipola, Jack Nowell and Jonny May ...

"I've talked about the team we wish to build. It's our job to coach that team." As is the return of 95-cap veteran prop Dan Cole - whose international career had appeared over after not featuring for England since 2019. Every game matters when you play for England and we have 19 days to prepare for Scotland at Twickenham." "I'm delighted for Eddie that he is coaching his home country. He was given a three-game ban by the RFU disciplinary panel. The day that I was announced as England head coach he sent me a message wishing me the very best and this morning (Monday), I sent him a message wishing him the very best." The omissions of Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell - all regulars under Eddie Jones - is a clear sign that Borthwick is keen to put his stamp on the team. "We are all looking forward to the challenges of the Six Nations and we will approach this great tournament with a spirit of courage and total commitment. [Full schedule for 2023 Men's Six Nations: England start vs Scotland](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12333/12736513/six-nations-2023-fixtures-schedule-kick-off-times-for-england-wales-ireland-scotland-france-and-italy) [Owen Farrell cleared to play in England's Six Nations opener](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12784077/owen-farrell-free-to-play-in-englands-six-nations-opener-with-four-match-ban-to-be-reduced-to-three-weeks) [What can new head coach Steve Borthwick bring to England?](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12762662/steve-borthwick-what-will-englands-new-head-coach-bring-to-team-ahead-of-2023-rugby-world-cup) [Eddie Jones named Australia head coach as Dave Rennie sacked](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12762662/steve-borthwick-what-will-englands-new-head-coach-bring-to-team-ahead-of-2023-rugby-world-cup) Borthwick said: "This is an exciting squad, with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent, and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership. England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith in his squad for the Six Nations, with Billy Vunipola, Jack Nowell and Jonny May missing out.

England coach Steve Borthwick retained Owen Farrell as captain while recalling veterans Dan Cole and Elliot Daly as he announced his first Six Nations squad ...

Elliot Daly (Saracens) Owen Farrell (Saracens) Tommy Freeman (Northampton) Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish), Dan Kelly (Leicester Tigers) Max Malins (Saracens), Joe Marchant (Harlequins), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Henry Slade (Exeter), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester) Manu Tuilagi, (Sale), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester), Ben Youngs (Leicester) Borthwick recalled veterans Dan Cole and Elliot Daly in a 36-man squad for the Six Nations announced on Monday. England coach Steve Borthwick retained Owen Farrell as captain while recalling veterans Dan Cole and Elliot Daly as he announced his first Six Nations squad on Monday.

Steve Borthwick has retained Owen Farrell as England captain and has lauded the Saracens man's natural leadership abilities.

The day that I was announced as England head coach he sent me a message wishing me the very best. This morning I sent him a message wishing him the very best,” Borthwick said. Normally when a 17 or 18 year old enters first team training at the start of their careers, they are quiet and reserved. “I’ve known Owen since he was 17 or 18 years old as a player at Saracens. I know there’s been a period of uncertainty around Owen’s availability. “I was informed unequivocally by the RFU legal department on Friday that Owen would be available for the first game of the Six Nations for England vs Scotland.”

Farrell must serve a ban for a dangerous tackle during Saracens' match with Gloucester.

“Everybody was also struck by how much he demanded of those around him. “Owen accepts his suspension and can’t wait to be back on the field. [Farrell is serving a four-match ban for a dangerous challenge while on club duty](/sport/owen-farrell-gallagher-premiership-six-nations-england-saracens-b2262388.html) against Gloucester on 6 January that will be reduced by one game if he completes a tackle course. “I know there has been a period of uncertainty around Owen’s availability,” Borthwick said. “The disciplinary system is run completely as an independent process and I think we’d agree there should be that split – the England head coach and the disciplinary system should be completely separate, and that’s the case.” My point of view is that I’m England head coach and my job is to select the players that are available to me.

Steve Borthwick insisted he had no hesitation selecting Owen Farrell once the England captain's Six Nations availability was cleared up by the RFU.

“For us as a coaching team we believe it’s the best way to tackle. We knew it was an issue within the sport, and we both absolutely support the measures that were in place. “Owen fully accepts he needs to change and is willing to work very hard at it,” said Sinfield. “Owen accepts his suspension and he can’t wait to be back on the field. Owen came on to the training field and everyone was struck with awe by how hard he pushes himself. “The disciplinary system is run completely as an independent process, and I think we’d agree there should be that split.

England coach Steve Borthwick retained Owen Farrell as captain while recalling veterans Dan Cole and Elliot Daly as he announced his first Six Nations squad ...

"I know the players can't wait to get back to Twickenham and give our fans a performance they can be proud of. "This is an exciting squad with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership," Borthwick said. The former Leicester head coach said he had been told by the RFU's legal department Farrell would be available for the Scotland match despite the controversy over the terms of his suspension after he was cited for making contact with the head of Gloucester's Jack Clement.

England new defence coach Kevin Sinfield has promised to focus on tackle height as a key issue.

“The day I was announced as England head coach he sent me a message wishing me the very best. And so I’ve sent him a message wishing him the very best. The England head coach and the disciplinary system should be completely separate, and that’s the case.” "We want to build a team that plays with courage and fights in every contest and finds a way to win. We sat for hours this week discussing selection and it should be that way, it should be tough and there will be good players – really high quality players – who are not selected. “The disciplinary system is run completely as an independent process, and I think we’d agree there should be that split. That’s Owen, it’s what he does and why he is captain of the England rugby team.” Owen came on to the training field and everyone was struck with awe by how hard he pushes himself. Now that’s what we want. Owen is desperate to improve and get better every single day,” Sinfield said. Everybody was also struck by how much he demanded of those around him. “Owen fully accepts he needs to change and is willing to work extremely hard at it.

Farrell must serve a ban for a dangerous tackle during Saracens' match with Gloucester.

“Everybody was also struck by how much he demanded of those around him. “Owen accepts his suspension and can’t wait to be back on the field. [Farrell is serving a four-match ban for a dangerous challenge while on club duty](/sport/owen-farrell-gallagher-premiership-six-nations-england-saracens-b2262388.html) against Gloucester on 6 January that will be reduced by one game if he completes a tackle course. “I know there has been a period of uncertainty around Owen’s availability,” Borthwick said. “The disciplinary system is run completely as an independent process and I think we’d agree there should be that split – the England head coach and the disciplinary system should be completely separate, and that’s the case.” My point of view is that I’m England head coach and my job is to select the players that are available to me.

England head coach Steve Borthwick says it is important to recognise how special Owen Farrell is after naming him as captain for the Six Nations.

"I want players that are playing well. "That excitement and determination is there, and what we have to do is then harness that in the time we have, to be prepared. "We want our players to go out there and fight and compete but also do it in a manner that is fair - we want 15 players on the pitch." "From my point of view my job is to select and coach the players available to me. "He understands why that is the case but anybody who knows Owen knows he will work his socks off to get it right. "Right now he is unable to play and that is gutting for him.

Farrell will complete a reduced three-match ban for a dangerous challenge in time to face Scotland at Twickenham on February 4.

Farrell will complete a reduced three-match ban for a dangerous challenge in time to face Scotland at Twickenham on February 4.

“I’m not going to be a coach who sits here and starts talking about time, or injuries, or availability. “The players need clarity on how they’re going to play. Our elite players will need to make some adjustments.”

Fly-half named England captain for Six Nations despite ban · Vunipola, May and Nowell left out of Borthwick's first squad.

It is also understood that Farrell is not even due to leave England’s camp early next week to at least maintain the pretence he is being released for the Bristol fixture. Borthwick insisted it was a straightforward decision to hand Farrell the captaincy while appointing Courtney Lawes and Ellis Genge as his vice-captains. “My point of view is that I’m England head coach, my job is to select the players that are available to me,” said Borthwick. Farrell’s ban was issued for a high tackle on Gloucester’s Jack Clement - marginally too high rather than malicious - but he has developed a reputation, in part, due to his aggressive approach in defence. In a further development which lays bare the extent to which a disciplinary loophole has been exploited, it is also understood Farrell is due to play a full part in England’s training camp next week despite his “availability” for a club fixture. Borthwick insisted he played no part in the process, beyond seeking clarity last week to ensure he would not be jeopardising Farrell’s availability by picking him.

Steve Borthwick, unlike predecessor Martin Johnson, believes the captain's role is 'very important' to England's success.

“That reminded me of just how special that is and how much it means to these guys; how much playing for England, leading England means to them. Owen has played over 100 times for England and more than a decade at the top level, you still see how much it excites him and how much it means to him. “Kevin met with him last week and had one of those 90-minute conversations over dinner with Owen. he doesn’t need to say a word and everyone is intimidated because he’s that type of character, on the field. And what seems clear is that Borthwick sees Farrell as the player with the character that will define his England side. “You learn a lot about rugby players when they’re in the dining room, when they’re eating their food.