05 January 2024 , 20:07
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Owen Farrell could be about to end his England career for good, with the Saracens fly-half in advanced talks to sign a lucrative deal with French club Racing 92.
Farrell, 32, announced in November that he was talking a break from international rugby to "prioritise his family's mental well-being," having just captained his country to a surprise third-place finish at the World Cup in France. With his Saracens contract set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 Gallagher Premiership season in June, Farrell is reportedly close to agreeing a blockbuster three-year deal with Racing, a move which would make him ineligible to play for England.
That's because Steve Borthwick's side only select players from the English top flight, a division which the 32-year-old would be leaving for the first time in his prestigious career. Racing, who on Friday denied any agreement with Farrell, are notably managed by ex-England boss Stuart Lancaster and currently lead the Top 14 league.
"Racing 92 is regularly under the aegis of numerous speculations concerning movements within its workforce," a post on their website read. "We are delighted with the appeal of our club, Racing 92. However, we deny any agreement concerning the English player Owen Farrell."
The Daily Mail report that while nothing has been signed, Farrell has already met with Lancaster and the club's owner, Jacky Lorenzetti. On Thursday, England head coach Borthwick admitted there was no guarantee that the No.10 would return to the international game, with Farrell having already confirmed that he'll miss this year's Six Nations tournament which starts in less than a month.
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"We're all hopeful that he'll return to the England team at some point soon," Borthwick explained. "But that's going to be a decision. This is one of England's greatest-ever players - greatest-ever captains. "I am really hopeful he will play for England again, but I made it really clear there is no pressure on him. It's his decision, at the time that's right for him."
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Owen Farrell would be ineligible for an England call-up at French club Racing 92 (PA)The England boss, whose side will begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on Saturday, February 3, also has a crucial decision to make on who captains the team in Farrell's absence. "I'll announce the captain on January 17," Borthwick revealed. "I think we've got a good number of people to lead this team."
As for who'll play as the No.10 in place of Farrell, he added: "If you look at the 10 situation, with George Ford, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith all playing really well, it remains a really competitive situation. I see Marcus as a 10 and as a great rugby player, and I see him as being able to play 15.
"We saw the value Marcus added at 15. I see him as a 10 who can play 15. I want the best players in the team. Clearly there is a balance because you want players playing in their best positions but I want the best players England have on the pitch."
After their trip to Italy, England hosts Wales at Twickenham a week later. A clash with Scotland at Murrayfield follows before a home game against holders Ireland. Borthwick and co then finish off in Paris against France.