Owen Farrell is set to return to the Premiership, rejoining Saracens from Racing 92 on a reported five-year deal.
Speculation has been rife for the past few weeks regarding Farrell’s future at Racing, with them reportedly putting a €500,000 price tag on the fly-half after he expressed his desire to leave the club.
Sarries have ended up significantly reducing that fee, and it has been reported that they have only ended up paying €200,000 to acquire him.
The fly-half is already a club legend at the StoneX Stadium, having made over 250 appearances and scored over 2,800 points during a 16-year first stint at the club.
A five-year deal for a 33-year-old may raise a few eyebrows, but it is structured in a way that means he will act as a player-coach.
Farrell will play for two seasons before joining the coaching staff full-time for the other three years on his deal.
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Time in France
His time in France was not hugely successful, being hampered by injury. Head coach Stuart Lancaster’s departure also had a negative effect on his tenure, given that he was the man who brought Farrell in.
Racing ended the Top 14 season in 10th, a hugely disappointing campaign for the Parisians, after performances never really matched up to expectations.
Farrell’s transfer marks the second superstar name to leave the club midway through their contract, with Siya Kolisi returning to South Africa after only one year in Paris, despite his contract running through until 2026.
The return of the fly-half means that he will again be eligible for England selection, which is currently a position that is lacking depth for Steve Borthwick this summer, as Marcus and Fin Smith are both away with the British and Irish Lions.
While there are still plenty of fly-halves to choose from for the tour to America and Argentina, none have the experience of Farrell.
He can also play centre, which is currently a bit of a weak position for Borthwick, given Ollie Lawrence’s long absence.
His versatility and experience have led many to see him as a potential British and Irish Lion this summer, also boosted by the fact that his father, Andy Farrell, is head coach for the tour.
There are still spots available for the Lions, as confirmed by head coach Farrell, with Owen being confirmed to be in the conversation due to his experience of being on the previous three tours.
By Charlie Elliott
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