Leicester Tigers reportedly made a cheeky approach earlier this season to bring
Owen Farrell back to the Gallagher Premiership – just months after the England legend swapped Saracens for a Parisian adventure with Racing 92.
That’s according to a report from RugbyPass, who claim the Welford Road outfit sounded out the 33-year-old about a sensational return to the Premiership.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
? Serial winner, Saracens royalty
A six-time Premiership champion, triple European king and 2015 RFU Championship winner, Farrell is one of the most decorated English players of the modern era. The fly-half spent 16 glittering years at Saracens, racking up silverware and status as one of rugby’s ultimate competitors.
?? A family affair
The son of Ireland head coach and former dual-code great Andy Farrell, Owen carved his own legacy on the world stage. He was named European Player of the Year in 2017, lifted a Grand Slam in 2016, reached the 2019 World Cup final, and claimed bronze in 2023.
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Lions hopeful, England centurion
Farrell became the third man to reach 100 England caps, finishing with 112 Test appearances and a staggering 1,237 points. Add six British & Irish Lions Tests to the tally, and it’s no wonder fans are still backing him to sneak into the 2025 tour, despite being left out of Andy Farrell’s initial 38-man squad.
? Sarries reunion on the cards?
While the Tigers are keen to lure him north, RUCK sources understand that a romantic return to Saracens looks far more likely when his Racing contract expires in 2026. The plan? A final playing stint before stepping into a coaching role at the club where it all began.
The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
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5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
EDITORS PICKS:
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- Wales will continue to BAN famous anthem from games
- Owen Farrell FAILS final Lions audition with former England captains face saying it all
- Everyone’s Saying the Same Thing as NIGEL OWENS Makes Shock Refereeing Comeback
- British & Irish Lions coach is married to famous rugby presenter
