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Racing 92 have confirmed the signing of former England captain Owen Farrell, who will join the Top 14 outfit from Saracens on a two-year deal at the end of the season.
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This move comes after weeks of speculation over Farrell’s future after French outlet Midi Olympique revealed that the 32-year-old was close to signing a deal with the Parisian outfit earlier this month.
Racing put that speculation to bed today by confirming the signing of the fly-half, who will finish his 16-year association with Saracens at the end of the season.
A statement reads: “Racing 92 formalizes the signing of Owen FARRELL (32 years old) within its professional men’s team. The English international player is committed to 2 sporting seasons and will join the Ciel et Blanc squad from July 1, 2024.”
Farrell’s international future is thrown into doubt with this transfer as well. The 112-cap England international has already stood down from Test rugby for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations and England’s summer tour, but he will now no longer be available for England until 2026 – that is providing he rejoins a team in the Gallagher Premiership.
Le Racing 92 officialise la signature d’Owen FARRELL au sein de son équipe professionnelle masculine.
le communiqué de presse : https://t.co/3Ap6hAXadr pic.twitter.com/UJXsarhk1R
— Racing 92 (@racing92) January 22, 2024
This move will only add more pressure on the RFU, however, to change their current overseas ruling, whereby no player outside of England can be selected.
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Farrell still has six months left on his Saracens contract, where he will want to add more silverware to his trophy cabinet. The reigning Premiership champions currently sit in sixth place in the league while they face a tricky trip to Bordeaux Begles in the round of 16 in the Investec Champions Cup – a team that beat them 55-15 only last week.
The No10 will team up with fellow England international Henry Arundell at La Defense Arena, as well as South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, as Racing hunt for an elusive Champions Cup title.
All the best to Owen . He deserves everything in life . He has earned it .
We all look upon these guys and make comment without realising what they put themselves through every day of their lives .
Good or bad they sacrifice . We are merely armchair onlookers .
This doesn’t add pressure to the RFU to change their policy on overseas based players. It gives opportunity to younger players and is just a natural evolution.