Andy Farrell will be prepared to pick his son Owen for the 2025 Lions tour, even if the talisman fly-half is plying his trade in France and not playing for England.
Farrell Jr has stepped down from international duty for the Six Nations to protect his and his family's mental health. The 32-year-old is also weighing up a summer move to Paris giants Racing 92, which would put him off-limits for England selection.
Ireland boss Andy Farrell was unveiled as the new Lions head coach on Thursday, and insisted he will be free to pick on form, not circumstance, for the 2025 tour of Australia.
"It's about form," said Farrell Sr. "The selection, as far as that's concerned, is exactly the same as absolutely everyone else, no different."
Lions chief executive Ben Calveley confirmed that the head coach can select players for the tour irrespective of whether they are playing international rugby.
Farrell Jr has spent his entire career at Saracens, but his father backed his right to move on.
"It's a short career," he said. "For some, the thought of devoting yourself to one club is extra special. Owen has had that at Saracens, but if things do change, it'll be for the right reasons."
The Lions will also look at potential new long-term touring destinations, with South America long mooted should the invitational team step off the beaten track of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
"We're interested in establishing a relationship with teams in different geographies," said CEO Calveley. "Becoming more of a global proposition is really important to us."
