England stalwart Owen Farrell nearing shock move to Racing 92

Midi Olympique are reporting that the playmaker is in talks with the Parisian outfit and is ˜close' to penning a two-year deal, which will keep him at the club until at least 2026.

Farrell has earned in excess of 100 England caps and has arguably been their best player over the past decade, captaining the country to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and the 2023 semi-final.

It would be a blow for English rugby and Steve Borthwick, with the fly-half a linchpin of the side since making his debut in 2012.

He has also enjoyed tremendous success at Saracens and has remained loyal to the Londoners over the past 15 years.

Farrell first appeared for Sarries as a 17-year-old and has gone on to become a great for both club and country.

However, the playmaker recently stepped away from the Test arena to protect his and his family's mental health and will miss the 2024 Six Nations as a result.

Borthwick was asked yesterday about the prospect of Farrell returning for England and his answer was not exactly confident.

"We're all hopeful he'll return to the England team at some point soon," he said. "But that's going to be a decision Owen makes.

"Will he play for England again? Erm, I'm really hopeful he does. I think, as England supporters, we all hope that. This is one of England's greatest ever players and captains.

"But that will be his decision, at a time that's right for him."

Perhaps this news is why Borthwick would not give a definite answer. Racing have been looking for a star playmaker to replace the outgoing Finn Russell, who joined Bath at the start of the 2023/24 season.

England and Harlequins pivot Marcus Smith was previously linked to the Parisians, but it looks like his international team-mate will be going there instead.

According to Midi, following the departures of Russell, Virimi Vakatawa and potentially Bernard Le Roux - who could retire due to concussion issues - and Juan Imhoff, salary cap space has been opened up.

It would have to be a hefty amount to prize him away from Sarries. The Daily Mail recently reported that Saracens wanted Farrell to be their sole marquee player, but they may now have to change their plans.

Should this deal be confirmed and he join fellow Red Rose player Henry Arundell at Racing, Farrell will, like the youngster, be ineligible for England for the duration of his contract.

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