They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
If reports are to be believed, Owen Farrell is looking to cut short his time in Paris and make a sensational return to the Premiership just a year after joining Racing 92.
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The 33-year-old former England captain would be a massive coup for any club able to meet his demands—provided he’s still playing at or near the elite level that saw him lead his country at the 2023 World Cup.
But whether such a return to domestic rugby should open the door to an England comeback remains up for debate.
What’s clear is that Newcastle Falcons won’t be joining the race. Following similar comments from Saracens boss Mark McCall, Falcons chief Steve Diamond has poured cold water on any potential swoop.
“It is getting close. I get told by Semore Kurdi that there have been extensive talks over the last few days, and hopefully, a decision can be made reasonably soon,” Diamond told Rugby Pass of the club’s hunt for investment.
“There is no smoke without fire and the conversations (with an investor) are in the final stages, I have been told, and a decision will be made very quickly."
He added: “Common sense tells us the financial year in rugby ends in July, and a decision by the end of this week would be really helpful to give people some kind of security. I think we could get a decision (by the end of the week), and the mechanics and due process will then take their natural course.”
When pressed on Farrell, Diamond was unequivocal.
“I don’t think (Farrell) is a realistic target,” he said. “From what I understand, three or four Premiership clubs would be open to investment – it’s not just Newcastle. Newcastle put it out there that we were looking for investment, and I think secretly and quietly, other clubs are doing it.”
Far from chasing star names, Diamond insists the focus remains on securing long-term stability.
“We have no creditors and are up to date with HMRC and we just need some enthusiasm and some investment," he said. "The first thing I would suggest (to new owners) is that they build three statues at the stadium to Sir John Hall, David Thompson and Semore Kurdi because for 30 years they have put the money into the club.”
“Fair to the players and coaches, they have stuck in this season, and I am sure it will benefit them in their careers, showing resilience in real difficult times.”
With takeover talks nearing conclusion, Diamond remains optimistic.
“Hopefully, there will be positive news very, very quickly, and we can use the period that has just gone as a reference point – a line in the sand,” he said.
“To get a huge company to come in, the story is not dissimilar to Newcastle United, who changed ownership. If it happens (for us), I can see us being a serious challenger in the league in the next two or three years.”
EDITORS PICKS:
BRITISH & IRISH LION WAGS:
Scotland:
Nika van der Merwe – Married to the Big Man (Duhan van der Merwe)
Nika and powerhouse wing Duhan van der Merwe tied the knot in sunny South Africa back in January 2023. She turned heads in a chic fitted gown with a thigh-high split, topped off with a glam studded cape — a wedding as bold as Duhan’s sidestep.
Emma Canning – Heptathlete and Super Mum (Finn Russell)
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Emma and magician-in-boots Finn Russell, but the pair are back stronger than ever and now proud parents to two daughters: Charlie and Skye.
Emma knows the pressure of elite sport first-hand — she’s a heptathlete, battling across seven gruelling events. Now she balances it all with family life and Finn’s erratic brilliance.
Annabel Jones – Puppy Love and Ibiza Vibes (Huw Jones)
Huw Jones and Annabel said "I do" in Ibiza back in July 2022 after meeting in Glasgow. Huw’s not afraid to show his romantic side, often calling Annabel his “everything.”
When an injury sidelined him during the 2019 Six Nations, she bought him a fluffy Maltese poodle named Louis — his furry lockdown lifesaver.
Dina Celina – Nutrition Queen and Future Mrs Kinghorn (Blair Kinghorn)
Blair Kinghorn popped the question to nutritionist Dina during a dreamy weekend at Gleneagles in 2023 — wedding bells will ring this August after the tour wraps.
The couple made an appearance in Six Nations: Full Contact on Netflix, with viewers spotting Blair stepping in at fly-half when Finn Russell was sidelined. Dina’s backstage support? Rock solid.
Ireland:
Ellen Ringrose – The Childhood Sweetheart (Garry Ringrose)
Garry Ringrose and Ellen Beirne tied the knot in June 2023 at the dreamy Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan.
Speaking to EVOKE, the Irish centre couldn’t stop gushing: “Ellen is the best... she’s a huge support, especially in the not-so-good times.” Childhood sweethearts to power couple status achieved.
Katherine Egan – Medicine, Hockey, and Sheehan’s No.1 (Dan Sheehan)
Dan Sheehan’s long-term girlfriend Katherine Egan is as accomplished as they come. A hockey player for UCD and a Medicine student — she’s got brains, brawn, and ambition to spare.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.
Sophie de Patoul – Castle Wedding Royalty (Josh van der Flier)
Josh van der Flier married his Belgian/Irish partner Sophie in a fairytale 2022 wedding at Luttrellstown Castle.
The flanker popped the question in July 2021, and Sophie’s been in the crowd (and the camera shots) at many big Ireland games ever since.
Harriet Beirne – Welsh Beauty with an Irish Base (Tadhg Beirne)
Tadhg met Harriet on a night out in Cardiff back in 2018, and after a bit of long distance, the couple settled down in Ireland.
They tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in 2022, and just bought a new home together, with Harriet teasing “exciting and most likely stressful times ahead” in 2025. Big year incoming!
Kayla Aki – Mum of Four and Bundee’s Rock (Bundee Aki)
Bundee Aki and wife Kayla have one of the most established relationships in the Ireland camp. Married in 2018, the couple share four children: daughters Armani-Jade, Adrianna, and Ailbhe (born at home in 2022), and son Andronikas.
England:
Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)
Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.
She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”
They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.
Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)
Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.
Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”
Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)
Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.
The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.
Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)
Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.
Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
