England legend Owen Farrell is lining up a shock return to Saracens — and talks are already underway to make it happen, according to an exclusive report by
Mail Online.
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The 33-year-old fly-half has had a frustrating first season with Racing 92, battling injuries and form issues since making the move to Paris last summer. Now, just 12 months into his two-year deal, Farrell is pushing to head back to North London.
Player-coach move in the works
Farrell wants to re-join Saracens in a player-coach role, combining on-field duties with a leadership position on the sidelines — a setup that would allow him to manage his body while continuing to contribute at the highest level.
Talks between the two clubs have begun, but they remain in the early stages. RUCK source expect Saracens to pay close to the £500,000 they received for Farrell 12 months ago.
Price tag: £500,000
Racing are expected to demand £500,000 — the same fee they paid to sign Farrell from Saracens — to release him from the remaining 14 months of his contract.
Mail Online reports that although Farrell and his family have settled well in France, the veteran No.10 is feeling the strain of the demanding TOP14 schedule. His limited game time this season and ongoing fitness issues have prompted a rethink.
Feeling the weight
Sources say Farrell is carrying a sense of guilt about not delivering full value while earning close to £1 million a year. With Racing parting ways with head coach Stuart Lancaster — the man who brought him to Paris — Farrell’s position at the club has become increasingly uncertain.
He has now formally asked Racing for a release from his deal.
Saracens ready to welcome him home
Saracens are open to bringing their former captain back into the fold, with his leadership and tactical nous seen as a major asset both on and off the pitch.
The move is far from finalised — but the wheels are in motion.
The 10 greatest fly-halves in rugby history – ranked
From pinpoint kicks to split-second decisions under pressure, fly-halves are the players you trust when the game’s on the line. And over the years, we’ve seen some absolute icons wear the No.10 shirt — legends who’ve shaped teams, tournaments, and eras.
Here’s our rundown of the 10 fly-halves who redefined greatness and carved their names into rugby folklore.
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10 Greatest Fly-Halves in Rugby History [Ranked]
10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
One of the most dynamic and versatile players in modern rugby, Barrett's speed, agility, and playmaking ability make him a standout. With two World Player of the Year awards to his name, Barrett’s ability to break defenses and his electric running game have made him a constant threat at both fly-half and fullback for the All Blacks.
9. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
A Welsh icon, Jonathan Davies was known for his exceptional playmaking skills, vision, and tactical kicking. He was a pivotal player during the 1980s and early '90s, representing both Wales and the British & Irish Lions. His ability to control a game with flair and intelligence made him one of the finest fly-halves of his generation.
8. Grant Fox (New Zealand)
Fox was instrumental in New Zealand’s 1987 World Cup win, known for his kicking precision and calm under pressure. He set the standard for tactical fly-half play.
7. Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton has been one of the top playmakers in modern rugby, guiding Ireland to multiple Six Nations titles and playing a pivotal role in the 2018 Grand Slam victory. His tactical acumen and kicking accuracy have made him indispensable for Ireland.
6. Owen Farrell (England)
Known for his leadership and incredible consistency, Owen Farrell has been a vital figure for England and Saracens over the last decade. His accurate kicking and game management, combined with a tenacious defensive edge, have made him one of the most influential players of his era.
Farrell’s ability to handle pressure and his strong leadership have helped England to numerous Six Nations titles and a World Cup final appearance in 2019.
5. Handré Pollard (South Africa)
Pollard’s calm under pressure and precision with the boot make him one of the best fly-halves of the modern era. His crucial contributions to South Africa's 2019 World Cup triumph, including his exceptional game management and match-winning kicks, have solidified his place among the greats.
4. Michael Lynagh (Australia)
Lynagh was the architect behind Australia’s World Cup-winning side in 1991. Known for his pinpoint kicking and strategic brilliance, he led the Wallabies through a dominant era in international rugby.
3. Barry John (Wales)
The Welsh maestro, known as “The King,” was a player of exceptional flair and instinctive play in the 1970s. His performances, especially on the 1971 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, solidified his legendary status.
2. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Arguably the best fly-half of the modern era, Carter's all-around game—flawless kicking, playmaking ability, and tactical awareness—helped the All Blacks dominate world rugby for over a decade. Carter played a key role in New Zealand's 2011 and 2015 World Cup victories.
1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
A fly-half whose career will forever be associated with his match-winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final. Wilkinson’s kicking ability, work ethic, and clutch performances made him one of the most celebrated players in rugby history. His ability to perform under pressure and commitment to excellence have earned him the top spot on this list.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…
This quiz challenges you to identify 10 players who earned the rare distinction of making just one appearance for the England rugby team.
These "one-cap wonders" might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.
Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!
