Racing 92 head coach Stuart Lancaster believes that Owen Farrell’s development over the last decade will be key to the Parisians’ success this season.
Lancaster, entering his second season as Racing’s head coach, has a new arsenal of weapons at his disposal this year, headlined by England’s record point scorer.
Speaking on The Rugby Paper podcast this week, the former England head coach highlighted his previous relationship with Farrell as crucial ahead of their reconciliation at Racing.
Farrell’s Growth
“Having reconnected with him, it feels like a very easy relationship to pick up,” he said on the podcast.
“Even in 2012 he brought that leadership element, his knowledge of the game was very well developed at that time and obviously his skillset and mindset were incredibly strong.
“And now you layer on 12 years of experience, both with Saracens and internationally.”
During last season Farrell announced he would be leaving English rugby and Saracens, a club he joined at just 14 years old, to join the Parisians.
The 32-year-old left a dazzling legacy behind, including 112 England caps, three Six Nations titles, six Premierships and three Champions Cups.
England’s Loss, Racing’s Gain
Despite his vast success, Lancaster described the English media as ‘volatile’ in their thoughts of the former England captain, and that his presence will inevitably be missed.
Lancaster added: “I think England will miss him.
“Owen, like Jonny Wilkinson did, is in the time of his career where he’s got a chance to try something new and challenge himself in a different way.
“From a Racing point of view, we actually just needed someone to fill that void in quality at fly-half.”
Alongside the culture change, Lancaster highlighted that Farrell will need to adapt to a more free-flowing play style in France.
Spearheading that style at Racing is electric scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec, who will form an all-international halfback combination with Farrell.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to the Le Garrec and Farrell relationship.
“Nolann’s a little bit different than a traditional English scrum-half, he’s all for exploiting space around the ruck.”
Halfback Partnership
Le Garrec was unavailable for Racing’s Top 14 opener, in which they narrowly fell 31-28 to Castres, due to a recent shoulder operation, but Lancaster insists the 22-year-old is close to returning.
He continued: “It will be intriguing how they work with each other.
“Even just watching them together in training, you can see the synergy that’s growing and Owen’s really looking forward to that.
“From what I’ve seen I think it will work well, as long as both of them are prepared to share the responsibility but if it becomes a power battle, I’ll have to intervene!”
For a club with such a rich history, Racing will expect to improve upon last year’s sixth-place finish, and loss to Bordeaux in the opening round of the playoffs.
It was also an ending clouded in controversy as owner Jacky Lorenzetti was critical of superstar Springbok Siya Kolisi, labelling him ‘transparent’ in their final game of the season alongside criticising his weight and form.
Fresh Start
However, Lancaster is hopeful that it will be a fresh start for the six-time French champions as they boast a new look with the arrivals of Farrell, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifenua and former Sale stalwart Sam James.
James is another shrewd addition to Racing’s English contingent and Lancaster couldn’t believe his luck when the versatile outside back became available.
He said: “He’s been so impressive, I’m really surprised Sale let him go.
“Nobody really knew of him in France but when I knew he was available I had to get the deal over the line.
“Gael Fickou actually came up to me the other day and said he didn’t realise just how good a player he was.”
English Combinations
Lancaster said that the 30-year-old’s play style mirrors Elliot Daly’s and Alex Goode’s, two players who Farrell thrived alongside at Saracens, a factor the head coach believes will be important.
“Sam [James] has been brilliant for Farrell,” he said.
“He’s virtually flawless in training. His timing, depth perception, skillset plus the ability to play inside centre, outside centre and fullback.”
With new partnerships brewing, Lancaster understands that it may take some time for this team of superstars to gel, but the hope throughout the club is spreading.
For HERE the full episode of The Rugby Paper Podcast with Racing 92 Head Coach Stuart Lancaster.
