Former England duo discuss Owen Farrell’s rumoured switch to Racing 92 and come to same conclusion

Adam Kyriacou
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England's Henry Arundell and Owen Farrell during the Rugby World Cup.

England's Henry Arundell and Owen Farrell during the Rugby World Cup.

Former England duo Austin Healey and David Flatman have given their opinion on the speculation linking Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell with a shock move to Racing 92.

Media reports in France were swiftly replicated across England on Friday that the Red Rose stalwart is closing in on a two-year contract with the heavyweight Top 14 side.

Racing 92 responded to those reports with a statement issued on their club website denying that a deal had been done, but crucially did not deny talks were happening.

Club statement

“Racing 92 is regularly the subject of numerous speculations concerning movements within its workforce,” it read, with the club coached by Stuart Lancaster, the former England boss who handed Farrell his international debut, against Scotland, in 2012.

“We are delighted with the appeal of our club Racing 92. However, we deny any agreement concerning the English player Owen Farrell.”

The news has understandably created a lot of buzz among the rugby public and TNT Sports pundit Healey was asked his view on the rumour by host Sarra Elgan-Easterby.

“In a lot of ways it’s quite sad, not for Owen, I think it would be a brilliant opportunity, but for Saracens they’ve given him a lot, he’s given them a lot so it would be sad to see him leave Sarries,” he said.

“He’s been entwined with that place since he was a child so that would be the end of an era, but maybe for him on personal grounds it would be quite a good move, not only for his bank balance but also for his psyche.”

Former England prop Flatman also gave his view on the proposed move for a player who is currently taking time out of international rugby this year for his mental health.

“I am surprised because he’s synonymous as Mr. Sarries,” said the ex-Bath front-row.

“Saracens are one of the great clubs and it seems to be one of those clubs that people really really don’t want to leave unless there’s absolutely no space for them so it surprises me from that point of view.

Not surprised

“Does it surprise me that he wants to go and play for Racing 92 with those coaches and all those players for a bit, if it’s true, it absolutely doesn’t surprise me at all.

“He’s a great player, a great man and they’d be lucky to have him, if he goes.”

Any switch to France or another country would make the back ineligible for England under the current selection policy, which rules out players who ply their trade abroad.

The vastly experienced fly-half became England’s leading points scorer at the Rugby World Cup and is reportedly out of contract at Saracens at the end of the season.

READ MORE: ‘It takes a lot of courage’ – Steve Borthwick addresses Owen Farrell’s England future

England Owen Farrell

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