Owen Farrell 'very unhappy' to be stripped of England captaincy for Australia series

England head coach Eddie Jones revealed that Owen Farrell was “very unhappy” at being stripped of the captaincy, but did not rule out the possibility of him taking back the role. 

Northampton flanker Courtney Lawes, who stood in for Farrell during his absences in the autumn and Six Nations, will continue to lead England during the three-Test series in Australia that starts on Saturday in Perth. Jones hinted that there may be some tension between Lawes and Farrell, who is starting his first match since the 32-15 defeat of Australia last November after back to back ankle injuries. “It is a difficult situation but they are both good players, good team-mates and they’re working it out,” Jones said.

Veterans Danny Care and Billy Vunipola also return to the starting XV having previously fallen out of favour with Jones. On the bench, there are an uncapped trio of backs in the shape of Jack van Poortvliet, Guy Porter and Henry Arundell who earned his place as an replacement apprentice off the back of scoring a wonder try in training. 

Jones’ boldest selection was in making Lawes his skipper over Farrell who has been his captain since 2018. Jones described Farrell’s reaction as “very unhappy” but suggested that the captaincy may have been a burden on the Saracens playmaker. Yet Jones also opened the door to Farrell assuming his previous responsibilities before the 2023 World Cup. 

“I didn’t expect him to be happy, I expected him to be unhappy and it was just the sort of reaction I wanted because that is the sort of player he is,” Jones said. “The thing is he has got less responsibility, therefore he can focus more on his play which I think for Owen and team is important.

“The decision has been made because we want Owen to be at