A claim that Owen Farrell could switch from England to Ireland has sparked a huge debate online, with almost one million views.

The former England captain has not played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup.

Three years on, some fans believe he could be set for a shock switch to Ireland.

A post on X has now racked up more than 936,000 views, around 1,000 likes and over 100 replies.

It claims Farrell could become eligible to play for Ireland in October 2026.

That would be quite a twist, given his father Andy Farrell is Ireland's head coach.

But could it actually happen?

Owen Farrell Ireland claim goes viral

The post first appeared on March 11 and has since caught the eye of rugby fans.

It claimed Farrell would be free to represent Ireland once three years had passed since his last England cap.

That three-year mark has now passed.

Farrell last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, helping Steve Borthwick's side finish third.

The 112-cap star later joined Racing 92 in France before making his return to Saracens.

He has yet to confirm whether he plans to play for England again.

And with his international future still up in the air, the Ireland rumours have certainly got people talking.

Can Owen Farrell actually play for Ireland?

There's just one problem with the claim.

Under World Rugby's eligibility rules, players can switch countries after three years away from Test rugby.

But there's a catch.

They must also have been born in the country, or have a parent or grandparent born there.

Farrell does have Irish roots through his mother's side of the family.

However, his grandfather, former rugby league player Kieran O'Loughlin, was born in Wigan.

His Irish links go back further than World Rugby's rules allow.

So, despite the three-year wait being over, Farrell cannot play for Ireland under the current rules.

Owen Farrell has already had his say

Farrell has been asked about playing for Ireland before.

His reported answer left little room for doubt.

"Absolutely not."

The former England skipper has never officially retired from international rugby, despite stepping away after the 2023 World Cup.

Now back at Saracens, Farrell has also started taking an interest in coaching.

He has spoken about enjoying that side of the game while still making the most of his playing career.

For now, any talk of him pulling on a green jersey looks set to remain just that. Talk.

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Steve Borthwick makes England position clear

England head coach Steve Borthwick has previously left the door open for Farrell.

Speaking in October 2025, he said:

"My attitude to these kind of situations is that the door is never closed."

However, Farrell was left out of England's latest squad for the November Nations Championship.

Borthwick has since revealed he already has a strong idea of most of his 33-man squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

With just a year to go until the tournament, Farrell faces a tough task to force his way back into the England picture.

For now, the former captain has not retired from international rugby.

But despite the huge interest online, a move to Ireland remains off the table under World Rugby's current rules.