Back in action.

Bilbao-Bizkaia will once again become the epicentre of international rugby in southern Europe this summer. On 22 June, the French national team will play a match at San Mamés against a World XV team, a fixture that will kick-off their summer tour to Argentina.

The World XV, led by the former All Blacks coach Ian Foster continues to recruit world-class stars of the game and the latest to confirm his presence in the team is the English fly-half Owen Farrell.

It will be the first time the former England captain takes to the international stage after announcing a break following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“The prospect of playing for the World XV is incredibly exciting,” said Farrell.

“This will be the first time I will have played for an invitation team such as the World XV and joining up with guys you normally line up against for club or country, such as Semi Radradra, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, in a less pressurised environment is something I am really looking forward to.”

The playmaker, whose father, Andy Farrell, current coach of Ireland, played for the World XV in 2006, has confessed to being excited about the opportunity to participate in this rugby match in Bilbao:

“I am sure the players will want to get out there and play in an entertaining manner and put on an amazing spectacle for the Basque and French people to experience. No doubt the French team will also bring their notorious French flair come matchday too. It should be an awesome week and match in Bilbao.”

“My dad played for the World XV in 2006 and combining the history of the World XV with all the players that have represented the team with what will be a very fun week for me, on a personal level will make the whole experience very special.”

Tickets are already on sale through www.thematchrugby.com, with prices for adults from €35 and children up to 14 years old from €17.50. Discounts will apply for groups of more than 10 people. Tickets are also on sale at El Corte Inglés and www.marcaentradas.com