Blow for Saracens? Potential Owen Farrell replacement reportedly swaps clubs

One of Saracens’ potential replacements for Owen Farrell is set to switch Top 14 clubs next week, according to reports in France.

Saracens are in the market for a new fly-half as Farrell is set to join Racing 92 on a two-year deal at the end of the 2023/24 season.

However, they may have hit a stumbling block in their pursuit of one of the best playmakers in Europe.

Paolo Garbisi trades clubs

Italian international Paolo Garbisi has been one of the names linked with a move to Saracens to fill Farrell’s void, with the fly-half falling out of favour at Montpellier.

But according to reports in France this week, Saracens could miss out on Garbisi’s services as he is set to move to Toulon after the Six Nations.

Dan Biggar’s back injury means that Toulon are in need of additional cover at fly-half. Meanwhile, Montpellier needs a hooker after loaning out former Wallaby Tolu Latu to La Rochelle until the end of the season.

With both clubs needing to fill injury voids, Midi Olympique reports that Montpellier will send Garbisi to Toulon and get hooker Christopher Tolofua in return.

Midi Libre adds that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs and that Tolofua has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Montpellier whom he will join next week.

Garbisi will reportedly link up with Toulon after Italy’s Six Nations campaign, with reports not clarifying the length of his contract with them and whether it will be a permanent or short-term deal.

His current deal with Montpellier only expires in 2025, but it is understood that the Top 14 side will allow him to leave permanently at the end of the season with Louis Carbonel and Louis Foursans on their books.

Toulon deny reports

Toulon have since denied the reports with the following statement: “Christopher Tolofua is committed to the club and will continue his season in Rouge & Noir. The same goes for Dany Priso, who is under contract with the RCT until June 2025.”

It is worth remembering that Racing 92 recently denied reports of their talks with Farrell a few days before confirming his signing.

The situation is further complicated with reports linking Carbonel with a move to Stade Francais.

Midi Olympique adds that Montpellier are in discussions to sign Priso from Toulon ahead of next season.

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