Saracens boss Mark McCall has dismissed speculation linking Owen Farrell with a return to the Gallagher Premiership – for now.
The England legend and former Sarries captain is currently contracted to French giants Racing 92, but reports this week hinted at a potential homecoming.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. McCall, however, was quick to shut it down.
"It's just not worth answering," the director of rugby said when asked about a possible Farrell comeback.
"As far as I know, he’s under contract at Racing and has a year left. There are so many of these stories – they’re just pie in the sky. Better for me not to comment."
Farrell moved to Paris last year, but it’s been a tough season marked by injuries and instability. Racing’s head coach Stuart Lancaster left mid-season, adding to the uncertainty.
Despite ruling him out of Saracens’ immediate plans, McCall didn’t hold back on where he sees Farrell's long-term future: coaching.
"Rugby is in his skin. He’s got a great rugby IQ, real passion and love for the game – just like his dad," said McCall.
"I’d be absolutely amazed if that’s not where he ends up."
That said, Farrell won’t be filling Saracens' soon-to-be-vacant attack coach role. Long-time assistant Kevin Sorrell is stepping down at the end of the season, but Farrell isn’t in the frame to replace him.
"I can tell you it won’t be him," McCall confirmed. "He hasn’t been interviewed. He’s a player for now – and has 14 months left on his Racing contract."
Farrell's next move remains unclear – but a return to North London or a future in coaching? Watch this space.
“He is the Premiership top try-scorer (12), so he is obviously a finisher.
“But look at his all-round game — he is unbelievable under the high ball; he is a great left-foot kicking option; his defence has been unbelievable this year; he is a big old unit.
“So I can’t believe that he is not in there, with the full set of skills he has got and the finishing ability he has got.”
EDITORS PICKS:
British & Irish Lions Predicted Lineup: Odds for Starting XV vs Wallabies
This isn’t our dream team — it’s the starting XV most favoured by the bookies to line up in the first Test against Australia:
Front Row
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
A powerful and versatile prop, Porter is known for his scrummaging strength and work rate around the park.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Dynamic and athletic hooker with strong carrying ability and solid set-piece skills.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
A world-class tighthead prop with superb scrummaging technique, ball-handling skills, and a strong presence in both attack and defence.
Second Row
4. Maro Itoje (England)
World-class lock renowned for his lineout dominance, breakdown pressure, and leadership qualities.
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
A highly skilled and mobile lock/flanker hybrid, Beirne excels at turnovers and offers great versatility.
Back Row
6. Tom Curry (England)
Hard-hitting flanker with a high tackle count and breakdown expertise; a relentless competitor.
7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier combines work rate, speed, and breakdown prowess.
8. Ben Earl (England)
Explosive back-row forward with dynamic ball-carrying and strong support play.
Half-Backs
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
A sharp, quick-thinking scrum-half who dictates tempo and brings pace to the game.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Creative and unpredictable fly-half known for his vision, flair, and pinpoint passing and kicking.
Centres
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
A physical, direct inside centre with powerful running lines and strong defensive skills.
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
A classy outside centre with attacking instincts, speed, and a nose for the try line.
Back Three
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Towering and powerful winger who’s a constant threat with ball in hand.
14. James Lowe (Ireland)
Energetic winger with a booming boot, strong defence, and attacking creativity.
15. Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Tall, athletic fullback with strong counter-attacking ability and a reliable kicking game.
? Full Fixture List – British & Irish Lions Tour 2025
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Fri 20 June | Lions vs Argentina | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
| Sat 28 June | Western Force vs Lions | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| Wed 2 July | Queensland Reds vs Lions | Lang Park, Brisbane |
| Sat 5 July | NSW Waratahs vs Lions | Sydney Football Stadium |
| Wed 9 July | ACT Brumbies vs Lions | Canberra Stadium, Canberra |
| Sat 12 July | AU & NZ Invitational XV vs Lions | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Sat 19 July | Australia vs Lions (1st Test) | Lang Park, Brisbane |
| Tue 22 July | First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne |
| Sat 26 July | Australia vs Lions (2nd Test) | MCG, Melbourne |
| Sat 2 August | Australia vs Lions (3rd Test) | Stadium Australia, Sydney |