Owen Farrell is set to bid farewell to English rugby at the conclusion of this season, as the Saracens fly-half secures a lucrative three-season contract with Racing 92.
The exclusive scoop was first reported by RUCK earlier today, revealing an agreement between Saracens and the Parisian club.
The Telegraph later confirmed the blockbuster move, disclosing that Farrell has officially inked a three-year deal with Racing 92.
A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc from July 1 2024.”
The sale of Farrell is seen as a strategic move to facilitate the re-signing of Maro Itoje with the rugby club.
New regulations stipulate that, starting next season, clubs can only have one marquee player. With Itoje and Farrell being the highest earners at the club, adhering to the salary cap necessitates parting ways with one of them. A previous breach of these rules led to their relegation to the Championship.
The Rugby Paper reports that Saracens has set a €600,000 (£515,000) price tag for the services of England’s World Cup captain, Owen Farrell, as a prerequisite for his potential move to Racing 92. Sources now indicate that a fee in the ballpark of £450,000 has been agreed upon.
Billy Vunipola transfer latest:
The formidable No 8 is at a crossroads, deliberating between staying with Saracens or embarking on a lucrative venture in the Far East.
Previously associated with the Tokyo-based team in Japan’s burgeoning League One, the 31-year-old opted to extend his contract with the Premiership champions.
However, following a limited role in the recent World Cup, the once stalwart of the England pack finds himself reassessing his career trajectory.
Sources from Mail Sport reveal ongoing discussions with Sungoliath, while Saracens have also extended a new contract offer.
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List of Owen Farrell replacements:
Concurrently, Saracens is exploring available options to fill the void left by Farrell in the event that the transfer materialises.
#1. Damian Willemse
In his usual fullback role, he showcases exceptional skills, yet his versatility extends to playing as a fly-half, winger, or inside centre.
Having initially joined Saracens on a brief stint in 2019, the playmaker missed the opportunity to leave a lasting mark when called up by South Africa as a replacement for the injured Jesse Kriel during the Rugby World Cup pool stage.
Since then, he has evolved into a formidable player, making him an excellent addition to the Saracens squad.