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."
Article continues below
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.
Article continues below
"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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
3 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Donnarumma ‘disappointed and disheartened' at PSG Super Cup squad omission
Italy international Donnarumma was an eye-catching omission from PSG's Super Cup squad for Wednesday's fixture with Tottenham in his home country. Big-money summer arrival Lucas Chevalier has been included and is set to make his PSG debut at Stadio Friuli after Luis Enrique confirmed he wanted a goalkeeper profile that was 'different' to Donnarumma. Italy captain Donnarumma has since taken to Instagram to criticise the decision and expressed his desire to say goodbye 'in the eyes one more time' to the PSG supporters at Parc des Princes. 'To the special Paris fans, from the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris St Germain,' Donnarumma said. 'Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team's success, I am disappointed and disheartened. 'I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. 'If that doesn't happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me and I will never forget it. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights and of you, who made me feel at home. 'To my team-mates – my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. 'Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris.' Luis Enrique explained his decision in Udine, saying: 'These are always difficult decisions to make. 'I can definitely talk about Gigio, because he's one of the best players in his position, without a doubt. He's even better as a person. 'We're looking for a goalkeeping profile that is different to Donnarumma. It's always difficult to make the decision in these kinds of situations.' Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma (pictured) has taken to Instagram to criticise Luis Enrique's decision (Adam Davy/PA) Luis Enrique also revealed Tottenham were once an option for him and admitted they have a physical advantage on Wednesday. The 55-year-old was linked with the vacancy at Spurs after Antonio Conte left in 2023, but Ange Postecoglou was eventually hired and Luis Enrique subsequently took over PSG in a sliding doors moment for both men. Postecoglou was able to mastermind Europa League success in May and end Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought, whilst Luis Enrique guided PSG to the holy grail of a maiden Champions League title. The pair will not face each other in Italy after Spurs ruthlessly discarded with Postecoglou following a poor domestic campaign and the appointment of Thomas Frank – alongside the fact they have been in pre-season training since early July, while PSG only returned last Wednesday after their Club World Cup exploits – gives the English outfit a slight edge, according to Luis Enrique. 'Well, I have to say that it is difficult because they changed recently the manager, new manager, some new players, they play a few friendly matches before tomorrow's match and I don't know what kind of game they are going to plan,' Luis Enrique acknowledged. 'It is going to be difficult because they have been training for the last month and we are in our first week, but it is not an excuse. 'We are going to try to compete at our best.' On Spurs' links, Luis Enrique added: 'Well, there were some options for me in the last six months before I came to Paris and Tottenham was one of them.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How Red Bull's billions can revolutionise rugby: Energy drink giant conquered F1 and shook up football, so it's no wonder Newcastle are buzzing after takeover
With a reputation for innovation and unparallelled success in their other sporting ventures, Red Bull's takeover of Newcastle Falcons — which was finally completed on Tuesday — has the potential to completely transform an English rugby club with huge potential. 'I'm not suggesting motorcycles will be coming off the roof in the first game,' said director of rugby Steve Diamond, the man in charge of the team now officially known as Newcastle Red Bulls. 'But I think moving forward, it's an entertainment package which is exciting for rugby, not just Newcastle. I think it's going to be a huge positive. There's a buzz around the place. 'This is not going to be a sleeping giant any more. It's been awoken.' These are changing times in professional rugby, particularly with plans for a breakaway league gathering momentum. Now Red Bull — with an overall company value worth in the region of £26billion — has entered the equation. Newcastle will hope the energy drink conglomerate can help turn them from Premiership strugglers into potential trophy winners. But it is unlikely to happen overnight. But history tells us Red Bull don't mess about. When they first entered Formula One in 2005, they were written off as jokers by their competitors. Now, two decades later and with eight drivers' championships and six constructors' championships in the bag, no one is laughing. Red Bull have also shaken up the football industry in Leipzig, New York and Salzburg, among other places. They will hope to have an impact in this season's Premier League too with Leeds United, a team in which they have a minority share. Their entry into rugby union is fascinating. Red Bull's mantra is: 'The can is the star, not the man.' They see being a part of professional sport as a way of selling more of their famous product. That might seem crude or rather simplistic, but it is true. However, it is also about far more than pure marketing. In F1, with the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, Red Bull became a winning machine. Given Newcastle have won just two Premiership games in two years and been in desperate need of fresh investment, Red Bull's arrival could not have come at a better time. It is no wonder the great and the good of English rugby have welcomed the sea change. Oliver Mintzlaff has a catchy title at Red Bull as their chief executive of corporate projects and investments. He is the big cheese in the company's sporting arm and is understood to have played a key role in the decision to dispense with the services of Christian Horner as the man in charge of their F1 team. 'Together, we aim to elevate rugby to new heights and deliver unforgettable moments for our fans,' Mintzlaff said. 'We're delighted to have acquired Newcastle Red Bulls and look forward to empowering the club to reach its full competitive potential.' Diamond was more reserved than his usual effusive self when facing the media on Tuesday just an hour after the Red Bull deal was officially confirmed. He was keen to keep initial expectations realistic, aware the takeover timing means he cannot go and spend the millions of fresh investment instantly. Newcastle's squad for this season, despite some new arrivals, still looks thin after the departures of Callum Chick and Jamie Blamire. Diamond confirmed Newcastle won't be signing Louis Rees-Zammit, the Wales wing now back in rugby after he left the NFL. 'All players are going to be of interest now. But at this moment in time, we're just looking at the short term of this season,' Diamond said. 'He (Rees-Zammit) won't be joining us for this season.' In the coming weeks, Newcastle will release a new badge and kit to reflect their Red Bull takeover. Interest in ticket sales for the new campaign has skyrocketed. After all, we all know Red Bull — to use their own slogan — 'gives you wings'. Newcastle Red Bulls are unlikely to soar to immediate success. But in the short term, what the takeover does do is provide financial stability after two years of monetary worries. Looking further ahead, the club should now be able to attract higher quality players, thus improving the chances of success. In time, Diamond will surely spend on recruitment. However, he also wisely emphasised the club's need to improve their training facilities and academy set-up as more immediate priorities. Newcastle said they plan on 'delivering a world-class fan experience and embracing the innovative approach Red Bull has brought to its sports initiatives across the world'. Simon Massie-Taylor, Premiership chief executive, described Newcastle's announcement as 'a landmark moment for our sport' while his RFU counterpart Bill Sweeney was equally glowing. Fresh investment is what English rugby has been crying out for and this is it. 'We are hugely excited by Red Bull's ambition for the club which includes developing the player pathway in the North East and growing the club's fanbase,' Massie-Taylor said. 'Their track record in global sport, from high-performance expertise to world-class marketing, will bring enormous value.' Diamond added: 'We'll be looking at world-class facilities, world-class players and world-class coaches coming to Newcastle over the next three or four years to really hopefully dominate in the future. It's just the start of a fantastic new beginning for Newcastle Red Bulls. 'We can see green shoots. Some people have been here four or five years with very little success and very little to shout about. I'm not suggesting we can win the league, certainly not in year one or two. We're not going to spend money if we don't need to.' Red Bull's sporting record means they are unlikely to stand for Newcastle being the Premiership's whipping boys for long. You have to go back to the 1997-98 season for Newcastle's only Premiership title to date — a triumph borne from the backing of Sir John Hall and with a young Jonny Wilkinson in their side. Now, hopes are high Red Bull can have a similar impact and do in rugby what they have done in F1 and football. The next months and years promise much. And in a city where Newcastle United, backed by the billions of Saudi Arabia, have lifted a trophy in football once again, the hope is rugby can now follow suit. 'This future-proofs the professional game in the North East,' Diamond said. 'Red Bull's track record shows they do that in all areas. There will be some bumps in the road, no doubt, but they've been totally professional up to now and I've no doubt they will be. 'I think they see rugby as an exciting new part of their portfolio. 'You can't just rush out and spend money. It never really works. But we're obviously thankful Newcastle has got new investors and the future will be brighter than it has been. 'A successful Newcastle Red Bulls will generate a huge amount of support in this region.'
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Donnarumma ‘disappointed and disheartened' at PSG Super Cup squad omission
Italy international Donnarumma was an eye-catching omission from PSG's Super Cup squad for Wednesday's fixture with Tottenham in his home country. Big-money summer arrival Lucas Chevalier has been included and is set to make his PSG debut at Stadio Friuli after Luis Enrique confirmed he wanted a goalkeeper profile that was 'different' to Donnarumma. Italy captain Donnarumma has since taken to Instagram to criticise the decision and expressed his desire to say goodbye 'in the eyes one more time' to the PSG supporters at Parc des Princes. 'To the special Paris fans, from the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris St Germain,' Donnarumma said. 'Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team's success, I am disappointed and disheartened. 'I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. 'If that doesn't happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me and I will never forget it. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights and of you, who made me feel at home. 'To my team-mates – my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. 'Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris.' Luis Enrique explained his decision in Udine, saying: 'These are always difficult decisions to make. 'I can definitely talk about Gigio, because he's one of the best players in his position, without a doubt. He's even better as a person. 'We're looking for a goalkeeping profile that is different to Donnarumma. It's always difficult to make the decision in these kinds of situations.' Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma (pictured) has taken to Instagram to criticise Luis Enrique's decision (Adam Davy/PA) Luis Enrique also revealed Tottenham were once an option for him and admitted they have a physical advantage on Wednesday. The 55-year-old was linked with the vacancy at Spurs after Antonio Conte left in 2023, but Ange Postecoglou was eventually hired and Luis Enrique subsequently took over PSG in a sliding doors moment for both men. Postecoglou was able to mastermind Europa League success in May and end Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought, whilst Luis Enrique guided PSG to the holy grail of a maiden Champions League title. The pair will not face each other in Italy after Spurs ruthlessly discarded with Postecoglou following a poor domestic campaign and the appointment of Thomas Frank – alongside the fact they have been in pre-season training since early July, while PSG only returned last Wednesday after their Club World Cup exploits – gives the English outfit a slight edge, according to Luis Enrique. 'Well, I have to say that it is difficult because they changed recently the manager, new manager, some new players, they play a few friendly matches before tomorrow's match and I don't know what kind of game they are going to plan,' Luis Enrique acknowledged. 'It is going to be difficult because they have been training for the last month and we are in our first week, but it is not an excuse. 'We are going to try to compete at our best.' On Spurs' links, Luis Enrique added: 'Well, there were some options for me in the last six months before I came to Paris and Tottenham was one of them.'
