Premiership clubs are closely monitoring the situation surrounding former England captain Owen Farrell, despite the fly-half being only three months into a two-year contract with Top 14 side Racing 92.
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Farrell’s Departure from Saracens Shocks Rugby World
Farrell shocked the rugby world when he left Saracens, the club where he rose through the academy ranks, to join Racing 92 in Paris. The move came after Farrell stepped back from international rugby following abuse directed at him during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. During his time at Saracens, Farrell secured an unprecedented six Premiership titles and three European Cups, cementing his legacy at the club.
A Potential Lions Return for Owen Farrell
Although Farrell has not officially retired from international rugby, sources close to the player suggest he may seek a return to the international stage. He remains a contender for the British & Irish Lions squad for their 2025 tour of Australia and is keen to add to his 112 England caps. Farrell is England’s all-time points scorer, amassing 1,237 points and winning three Six Nations titles, alongside being a World Cup finalist in 2019.
England’s No 10 Dilemma
If Farrell hopes to regain the England No 10 jersey, it could be challenging unless the Rugby Football Union (RFU) changes its current eligibility rules or grants him a special exemption. For now, Farrell’s absence from the Premiership complicates any potential England recall, especially with Marcus Smith and George Ford filling the fly-half role.
Saracens Salary Cap Conundrum
A return to Saracens might not be straightforward either. Under the current Premiership salary cap regulations, clubs are allowed only one marquee player, exempt from the cap. Saracens’ designated marquee player is currently Maro Itoje, who shows no signs of leaving the club or England.
Premiership Interest Elsewhere for Owen Farrell
Before Marcus Smith’s recent contract extension with Harlequins, both Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers were reportedly interested in signing him. Leicester Tigers are preparing for the likely departure of Handré Pollard to Japan next summer, while Bristol Bears are rebuilding after several disappointing seasons, leaving both clubs potentially in the market for a high-profile fly-half like Farrell.
The next move for Owen Farrell remains a topic of speculation as Premiership clubs wait to see if the former Saracens star could make a dramatic return to English rugby.
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m
Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.
In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson’s net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby’s wealthiest figures.
Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m
Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.
In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple’s net worth is reported to be around £20 million.
