Major Owen Farrell announcement as 33-year-old could now return to England squad
Major Owen Farrell announcement as 33-year-old could now return to England squad
Owen Farrell is back at Saracens and available for England duty once again if he decides to end his international exile
Owen Farrell has signed for Saracens
Owen Farrell has re-signed for Saracens after leaving Racing 92, the English club have confirmed.
The former England skipper and British Lion returns to the English Premiership giants after just one year in France. Farrell originally signed a two-year contract with the Paris outfit on a bumper £600,000 salary but has been beset by injury problems in the Top 14. The news comes as a huge boost to Saracens as they look to return to the summit of English rugby.
The outside-half's return also means he is available for England selection once again, although it remains to be seen if he will want to return to the international stage after walking away following the 2023 Rugby World Cup for mental health reasons. Players playing outside of England are not eligible for selection.
Farrell said: '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.'
Director of Rugby Mark McCall added: '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."
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Saracens are thought to have paid a transfer fee of £170,000 for his services.
Farrell is set to return to England
The 33-year-old spent 16 seasons at the club prior to his exit last summer, having joined as a 17-year-old.
Following Farrell's decision to quit England, coach Steve Borthwick said in a statement that everyone in the England set-up was "fully behind Owen's decision".
"Since making his debut, he has been an integral part of the England set-up for over a decade, and the demands on elite athletes are extremely challenging," he said.
"It is with typical courage that Owen has made this decision to open up in this manner.
"Together with all of us at England Rugby, I will do everything I can to ensure that he has the support he requires going forward."
Farrell himself said last year he wants to play rugby for as long as he can but has not yet publicly expressed a desire to return to the international arena.
"I have just tried to get back to enjoying my rugby and loving what I am doing and I am working to do that," he said.
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"I guess you sit and watch any massive game and wish you were involved, but I'm happy with the decision at the moment, not to say that won't be up and down.
"It's lots of things it's never one thing why you come to a decision, it's never just a specific one.
"I thought it would be the best thing for me and obviously there's a change happening off the back of it as well."
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