How Richie Mo’unga’s Crusaders exit benefits Saracens’ bid to fill Owen Farrell void
Fergus Burke will fill the boots of Owen Farrell at Saracens.
New Saracens signing Fergus Burke has good reason to feel undaunted about filling the boots of Owen Farrell when he runs out for the Premiership side next season.
Burke was confirmed a Saracens player in April this year and will join the club during 2024/25 at the conclusion of Canterbury’s National Provincial Cup season.
He recently gave English fans a glimpse of his talent when pulling on the Barbarians jersey against Fiji at Twickenham, lining up alongside scrum-half Danny Care.
Farrell exit
Burke knows there are sizeable boots to fill at Saracens following the departure of Farrell to Racing 92 but stressed he has been in a similar situation at the Crusaders.
“I have been through something similar this year, although I have been injured a bit, with Richie Mo’unga leaving the Crusaders,” said the 24-year-old number 10.
“I’m my own player, but I have ultimate respect for what Owen’s done at Saracens and he will probably go down as the greatest ever.
“It’s awesome and I’m looking forward to joining the club. I haven’t spoken to Owen, but I’m sure I’ll pick up with him at some point.”
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Solid outings for Saracens could well open the door to international rugby for former New Zealand U20 star Burke, who is also eligible for England and Scotland.
However, while buoyed by other players’ moves north, the fly-half is only focussed on performing well for Saracens once he arrives in the Premiership this year.
“I have big ambitions to play international rugby. First thing’s first, I need to come over here and play well for Saracens and whatever happens in that space happens. It’s exciting,” Burke stressed before touching on Taine Plumtree, Chandler Cunningham-South and Ethan Roots, who all departed New Zealand in the past.
“I haven’t spoken to Taine, but he was in my U20s team and he has done awesome. Lots of boys have come over here and made it work.
“You look at Ethan Roots and Chandler and boys like that. It’s exciting. It’s a different challenge and I am looking forward to it.”
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