Racing 92 set for major squad overhaul to accommodate Owen Farrell

Owen Farrell’s arrival at Racing 92 from Saracens at the end of the season is likely to result in twelve players having to leave the Top 14 club so that they can remain within the salary cap, according to Midi Olympique. 

The former England captain’s move was confirmed yesterday by the Parisian club, who have signed him on a two-year deal from the end of the season.

The 32-year-old will team up with some of the biggest stars in the game currently, none more so than South Africa captain Siya Kolisi. That means the captain of the World Cup winners and the captain of the bronze medallists will both be at the same club next season.

Henry Arundell talks England future when playing in France | RPTV

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Henry Arundell talks England future when playing in France | RPTV

The 21-year-old Racing 92 flyer told The Big Jim Show what his reasons for playing in France are and what the future holds now that he is ineligible for England due to playing outside of the country.

Full interview

Having such a welter of world class talent comes at a price though, and Midi Olympique (who originally revealed that Farrell was close to signing for Racing) have reported that there will be at least a dozen departures from La Defense Arena so that Racing can balance their books.

The French outlet have also reported that Racing have to pay Saracens €500k to buy the 112-cap England fly-half out of the final year of his contract. That sum will not be part of the salary cap, however, as the buyout fee is less that Farrell’s annual salary.

Racing were busy over the summer recruiting new players, with Kolisi headlining a list that included Farrell’s England teammate Henry Arundell, Fijian star Josua Tuisova and Wales’ Will Rowlands. There were also some major departures as well, with Finn Russell moving to Bath. The Englishman will come in to fill the void left by Russell, but as a result there are likely to be more high profile departures to accommodate him.

With French internationals Romain Taofifénua and Demba Bamba also reported to be moving to Paris at the end of the season, a major squad overhaul may be on the horizon.