Owen Farrell’s Return to English Rugby Inches Closer as Saracens Open Talks with Racing 92
Owen Farrell’s return to English rugby is gathering pace after Saracens and Racing 92 confirmed that talks are underway over a potential transfer back to the Gallagher Premiership club. According to MailSport, Farrell’s debut season in Paris has been marred by a series of injury problems, which has led the 33-year-old to consider a move back to England.
Farrell joined Racing 92 in the summer of 2024 on a two-year deal, but his club dispensed with Stuart Lancaster – the coach who signed him – in February. With 14 months remaining on his TOP14 contract, Farrell is now keen to re-join Saracens in a player-coach role. Discussions between the north London club and Racing 92 are at an early stage, with the fee Saracens will pay to buy Farrell out of the remainder of his Racing contract central to the negotiations.
It is understood that Racing 92 paid Saracens close to £500,000 to sign Farrell and would demand the same sum in exchange to allow the player to move back. Sources have told MailSport that Farrell was initially keen to stay with Racing 92 for another year and that the player’s family is happy in the French capital. However, it is understood that Farrell has accepted his body is now struggling to keep up with the demands of the TOP14.
A player-coach role back at Saracens appeals to Farrell, and he has asked Racing 92 if he can be released from his current contract. Leicester Tigers, who are desperate for a No 10 for next season, are also keen to sign Farrell. Australian James O’Connor is also under consideration as a possible new Tigers playmaker.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall attempted to downplay the possibility of re-signing Farrell, but he did admit that Farrell’s future lay in coaching. "There are so many of these stories that come out. There is no point talking about something that is so pie in the sky. It’s better for me not to comment," McCall said. "I’d be very surprised if he (Farrell) didn’t commit to coaching. Rugby is in his skin. He’s got a great IQ and a love for it, like his dad."
Saracens need a new attack coach, but Farrell won’t take on that role. Farrell left Saracens at the end of last season following a 16-year stint in which he won multiple Premiership and European Champions Cup titles. Prior to that, he had taken the decision to step away from international rugby with England – the team he led and won 112 caps for – to prioritise his mental well-being.
Leicester Tigers’ new coach, former England lock Geoff Parling, has identified a new fly-half as his biggest priority. Current Tigers playmakers Handre Pollard and Jamie Shillcock are both leaving this summer, and Parling is keen to sign an established back-line general such as Farrell. O’Connor, 34, has impressed with his current side Crusaders in New Zealand and is being monitored by Leicester as a potential new recruit.
O’Connor has previous experience of English club rugby, having played for both London Irish and Sale Sharks as part of a globetrotting and often controversial career. O’Connor’s Crusaders deal will end at the conclusion of the 2025 Super Rugby season. Leicester have re-signed their former No 10 Charlie Titcombe from Welsh side Scarlets, but he remains a junior figure and the Tigers need a player of similar stature to Pollard.
In other news, Bath have confirmed the expected signing of Scotland international and 2021 Lion Chris Harris from Premiership rivals Gloucester. Harris has signed a one-year deal and will act as cover for England centre Ollie Lawrence as he continues his recovery from a long-term Achilles injury.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Farrell’s potential return to Saracens could be a significant coup for the club. According to the Daily Mail, "Farrell still has 14 months remaining on his TOP14 contract, but he is now keen to re-join Saracens in a player-coach role." The Daily Mail also reported that Leicester Tigers are keen to sign Farrell, as well as O’Connor.
The news of Farrell’s potential return to English rugby has been met with excitement from fans and pundits alike. As the Daily Mail noted, "Farrell’s return to English rugby would be a significant boost to the Gallagher Premiership."
