Saracens boss makes Owen Farrell admission amid return rumours
Owen Farrell with an inset of Mark McCall
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has confirmed he could look to bring former fly-half Owen Farrell back to the StoneX Stadium for next season.
Rumours have begun swirling that the former England captain could be set for an early exit in Paris after just one season in the Top 14.
Mark McCall addresses Owen Farrell rumours
Farrell has struggled with both injuries and form since his switch from Saracens to Racing 92, and has quickly seen himself displaced by Dan Lancaster as the Parisian side’s number one number 10.
That has since led to reports that the 112 Test capped back could be set for a return to the Premiership, with Leicester Tigers, Gloucester and former side Saracens understood to be the leading contenders for his signature.
But, the Achilles injury to Alex Lozowski now allows the North London club, who finished sixth in the regular season, to sign an injury replacement, which could see Farrell return to the StoneX.
“When Alex got injured at Leicester, you are allowed to bring in an injury dispensation for that player because he’s out for such a long time,” McCall said.
Premiership Rugby 2024-25: Semi-final ties, times and dates revealed
“We need to bring someone in his position. We compiled a list; Owen wasn’t on the list because he’s under contract with Racing, but there are some noises that Racing might be prepared to look at that, and he might be prepared to look at that as well.
“If Owen comes onto that list, he looks like a pretty good option because of the value for money he would bring.”
While it would be a romantic return for the versatile back, who won six Premierships and three Champions Cups in his first spell with the club, McCall detailed the two things that need to happen for him to come back.
“A couple of things have to happen. One, Racing have to let him go and they’ve got to let him go for a price which a club is willing to pay, and secondly, he’s got to accept a salary which is less than he’s on.”
The three-time British and Irish Lions tourist is currently the highest-paid rugby player in the world, pulling in a whopping £1.2 million a year at Racing. During his spell at Saracens, he was on around £700,000.
