Why serial winner and England great Owen Farrell is a perfect fit for Racing 92

Former Scotland superstar Stuart Hogg believes that Owen Farrell’s title-winning prowess will be a great fit for Racing 92 when he makes the move to France.

Farrell’s future was confirmed earlier this week with the Englishman trading the colours of Saracens in the Premiership to the stripes of Racing 92 in the Top14 at the beginning of next season for a two-year deal.

The decision was made after Farrell stepped away from Test rugby for the 2024 Six Nations as he looked to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing.

Great move

Hogg feels Racing has hit the nail on the head and explained how it gives Farrell the chance to finish his career with no regrets.

“Racing have landed on their feet here. He’s a born winner, he’s won numerous different trophies,” Hogg said on TNT Sports.

“He could potentially be [the missing piece]. You’ve had Finn [Russell], you’ve had Johnny Sexton.

“It is a completely different challenge for him. Racing are probably going: ‘This could work out well for us’. Quality player, at 32 he’s still got a few years left in him.

“I think for him it’s a chance when he’s coming towards the latter stages of his career to have no regrets, to finish off on a high and not be in England with all this constant pressure that comes with that.

“It’s a chance for him to just really switch off and enjoy his rugby, and I think it’s a great move.”

Following Wilkinson’s example

One of Ireland’s greatest players in history, Brian O’Driscoll, agrees that Farrell will do well and used the example of Jonny Wilkinson’s time in France as precedent.

“Also, to not go at 35, to go when you’ve got good years still in you, and you can deliver,” O’Driscoll said.

“If you look at how it was a complete regeneration of Johnny Wilkinson when he went to Toulon after his stint at Newcastle.

“Ok, he went a bit younger and brought them from Pro D2 into being three-time European champions.

“There is a test case there, and there’s a lot to like about life in Paris. His kids aren’t at school-going age yet; just break away from what you’ve been used to.”

Speaking in conversation with Hogg and O’Driscoll, Ugo Monye expects Farrell to be a “figurehead” at the club alongside Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi as Racing pushes for that all-important European success.

“[Farrell] has completed the game here in England: six Premiership titles, three European trophies,” Monye said.

“I think we often forget when we see a person who is forever present and so commanding, who has given so much, what’s that taken from him?

“As you’ve mentioned, a young family. Perhaps it’s also finding a new stimulus. If you’re taking time away from the international game, what is that new stimulus? Is it focusing on my family, exploring a new challenge?

“He will become the figurehead automatically alongside Siya Kolisi. They’ll look to him to take them to a place where they’ve never been able to get to, which is winning European silverware.

“So there is a pressure there, but he thrives on and loves that pressure.”

READ MORE: The long list of potential replacements for Owen Farrell at Saracens