Owen Farrell to Return to Saracens: A New Chapter for the England Fly-Half
In a move that is set to send shockwaves through the rugby world, Owen Farrell has announced that he will be leaving Racing 92 to return to his former club, Saracens, on a two-year deal. The 33-year-old England fly-half had joined Racing 92 last summer, but it appears that he will be departing the French club a year before the end of his contract.
According to Sky Sports, Farrell’s decision to return to Saracens is one that he is “enormously excited” about, with the fly-half stating that “Saracens is my home and the opportunity to come back is one that excites me enormously. Having watched from afar this season, it is clear to see that the club has incredible potential, and I can’t wait to get back in the mix for the 25/26 season.”
Farrell’s return to Saracens will undoubtedly be a boost to the club, with the fly-half having spent 16 seasons with the team between 2008 and 2024. During his time at Saracens, Farrell won six Premiership titles and three Champions Cup crowns, and he will be looking to add to that tally upon his return.
The move also raises questions about Farrell’s international future, with the fly-half having retired from international rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. While it remains to be seen whether he will make a return to Test rugby, his move back to the Premiership makes it possible for him to once again be eligible for selection for Steve Borthwick’s England team.
Saracens director of rugby, Mark McCall, was delighted to welcome Farrell back to the club, stating that “Owen has Saracens in his DNA; his competitive spirit is woven into the fabric of this club, and we are delighted he has chosen to come home. He returns to a young group full of potential, players eager to learn, play and push for success. We know he will love being part of where this group, and this club, are headed.”
Farrell’s time at Racing 92 was marked by injury and a disappointing season for the club, who finished 10th in the Top 14 table and missed out on the playoffs and Champions Cup qualification. The fly-half had a tough campaign, suffering with a groin injury and concussion, and was criticised by Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti in February, who stated that Farrell had “played at the speed of a snail going backwards” and that “on the field, we [Racing] haven’t seen the real Farrell.”
Despite this, Farrell remains one of the most talented fly-halves in the world, and his return to Saracens is a significant coup for the club. The team will be looking to build on their recent successes, and with Farrell at the helm, they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the Premiership and beyond.
In addition to his club commitments, Farrell will also be involved in Sky Sports‘ coverage of the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer, where he will be part of the on-screen talent for the team’s opening match against Argentina.
The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia promises to be an exciting event, with all three Tests against the Wallabies and six warm-up matches to be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports. The tour schedule is as follows:
* Friday, June 20: Argentina vs British and Irish Lions, Dublin
* Saturday, June 28: Western Force vs British and Irish Lions, Perth
* Wednesday, July 2: Queensland Reds vs British and Irish Lions, Brisbane
* Saturday, July 5: NSW Waratahs vs British and Irish Lions, Sydney
* Wednesday, July 9: ACT Brumbies vs British and Irish Lions, Canberra
* Saturday, July 12: Invitational AU-NZ vs British and Irish Lions, Adelaide
* Saturday, July 19: Australia vs British and Irish Lions (first Test), Brisbane
* Wednesday, July 22: First Nations & Pasifika XV vs British and Irish Lions, Melbourne
* Saturday, July 26: Australia vs British and Irish Lions (second Test), Melbourne
* Saturday, August 2: Australia vs British and Irish Lions (third Test), Sydney
With Farrell back at Saracens and involved in Sky Sports‘ coverage of the British and Irish Lions tour, rugby fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.
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