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TOP 14

Owen Farrell set for Top 14 bow with Racing 92 in English-heavy XV

By Josh Raisey

105 days ago

Henry Arundell of England celebrates scoring his team's first try with teammate Owen Farrell during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and Chile at Stade Pierre Mauroy on September 23, 2023 in Lille, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Former England captain Owen Farrell is set to make his Top 14 debut for Racing 92 on Saturday when they visit Castres at the Stade Pierre Fabre.

The 112-cap England international’s move to Paris from Saracens over the summer was arguably the biggest in world rugby, as it put his international career on hold for the time being.

Farrell has been selected by his former England head coach Stuart Lancaster to start at flyhalf in a backline that has an English hue to it.

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Racing’s midfield also includes former Sale Sharks star Sam James at inside centre, while Farrell’s former England teammate Henry Arundell is set to start on the wing.

The English influence on the Parisian giants does not end there though, with England U20 international Junior Kpoku lining up in the back row and former England U20 international Dan Lancaster on the bench.

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Top 14

Castres

31 - 28

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Racing 92

All Stats and Data

Farrell is in charge of a stellar backline, which also includes French midfield stalwart Gael Fickou at outside centre and Fijian powerhouse Josua Tuisova on the wing.

The side will be captained by Wales lock Will Rowlands, although it is not a squad lacking in leadership with Farrell present as well as South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi, who is still on the books for now.

Racing 92 XV
15. Max Spring
14. Josua Tuisova
13. Gael Fickou
12. Sam James
11. Henry Arundell
10. Owen Farrell
9. Kleo Labarbe
1. Guram Gogichashvili
2. Camille Chat
3. Thomas Laclayat
4. Will Rowlands (captain)
5. Romain Taofifenua
6. Junior Kpoku
7. Cameron Woki
8. Jordan Joseph

Replacements
16. Jannick Tarrit
17. Lino Julien
18. Fabien Sanconnie
19. Maxime Baudonne
20. Clovis Le Bail
21. Daniel Lancaster
22. Henry Chavancy
23. Gia Kharaishvili

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 33 minutes ago

'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'

Always has elevated the profile of African rugby?

They didn't do much for the games profile from 1981 - 1992. Not in a positive sense at least.

5 Go to comments

Bull Shark 41 minutes ago

'Tom has the potential to be better than a British and Irish Lion'

What does “better than a British Lion” mean?

As good as a springbok?

6 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 2 hours ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 5 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 6 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU