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Esteemed Former England Captain Owen Farrell Set to Join Racing 92 at Season’s End
In a momentous shift that sends ripples throughout the rugby world, esteemed former England captain Owen Farrell prepares to embark on a new chapter by joining French titans Racing 92 at the conclusion of the season. This transformative decision marks a significant turning point in Farrell’s illustrious career, as the 32-year-old will become ineligible for Test rugby under the RFU’s stringent foreign player policy.
Stepping away from Saracens, the club that nurtured him since the tender age of 14, and into the realm of the TOP14, is no small feat for the back who has come to regard the institution as much more than just a rugby club. The nurturing environment in which Farrell played, thrived, and eventually began his family, elicits mixed emotions as he reflects upon the difficult choice – one that will catapult his family into a world of novel experiences.
“It is tough to be leaving a place that has been my home since I was 14… The people, especially – this is where I’ve grown up, met a lot of my friends and of course started my family. It has been a difficult decision but it is an exciting one for our family.”
Farrell, initially elected to step away from international duty at the start of 2024 to prioritize his and his family’s mental wellbeing, found solace in the camaraderie of the Saracens community. Renowned for their unconditional support, Saracens has graciously provided him with a safe haven that allowed him to cherish relationships with treasured colleagues, as well as embrace his role as a family man.
The bond Farrell shares with Saracens and the club’s unwavering dedication to their players is tangible. As he embarks on a foreign adventure, he acknowledges the boundless gratitude he feels toward those who have consistently placed utmost importance on his welfare, rather than his rugby prowess.
Approaching the ‘back end’ of the season with vigor and renewed determination, Farrell remains steadfast in his commitment to propelling Saracens toward an exceptional year-end, savoring each opportunity alongside those who remain his foundation.
Nursing 112 England caps and three British & Irish Lions tours under his belt, Farrell’s prolific career speaks for itself. As he steps onto the battlefield in France, the England rugby union team will undoubtedly feel the ramifications of Farrell’s absence. Nonetheless, there is a glimmer of hope for his participation in the 2025 Australian Lions tour, under the guidance of his father and current Ireland coach, Andy Farrell.
As the director of rugby at Saracens, Mark McCall, lamented the departure of the once-in-a-generation player, he shared his resolute confidence in Farrell’s ability to ignite the team’s spirit. He remarked:
“A fierce competitor on the field, a loving team-mate and a family man off it, Owen has been the heartbeat of Saracens since his senior debut and central to all the club has achieved… We can’t wait for the next phase of this season with Owen and to see him enjoy the opportunity that is ahead of him. He will always be part of the Saracens family.”
This monumental decision not only offers Farrell a chance to experience new challenges abroad but also signifies a turning point in his tenure with Saracens. However, the exit does present a unique opportunity for the club to reshape and grow, providing opportunities for rising stars and fostering a new era within the elite rugby union landscape.
Venturing beyond familiar territory, Farrell is poised to become an influential figure within Racing 92, a renowned club boasting an illustrious roster coached by former England coach, Stuart Lancaster. A new chapter awaits in France, just beyond the storied reaches of Saracens, where meaningful experiences, long-lasting bonds, and unforgettable moments intertwined with rivalry have left an indelible mark on Farrell, ultimately shaping him into the esteemed player he is today.
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