Racing 92 have introduced the signing of England and Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell on the finish of the season.
The French High 14 facet stated Farrell has signed a two-year deal beginning on 1 July.
The 32-year-old Saracens captain has spent his complete profession on the StoneX Stadium having made his debut aged 17.
In November he introduced he was taking a break from worldwide rugby to “prioritise his psychological wellbeing” and stepped down as England captain.
Saracens team-mate Jamie George, 33, will lead England within the forthcoming Six Nations.
The Rugby Soccer Union (RFU) does not permit gamers primarily based overseas to be chosen for England.
Capped 112 instances by his nation, Farrell’s transfer to France all-but prevents him taking part in for England once more until the eligibility guidelines are relaxed, one thing which head coach Steve Borthwick desires to occur.
Farrell has received three Six Nations titles with England, together with a Grand Slam in 2016, and was a part of the crew who misplaced to South Africa within the 2019 World Cup ultimate.
He’ll hyperlink up at Racing 92 with former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, who gave him his worldwide debut towards Scotland within the 2012 Six Nations.
Farrell has made greater than 200 appearances for Saracens in all competitions, successful six Premiership titles and three European Rugby Champions Cups.
He made his first-team debut for the north London membership in 2008 and have become English skilled rugby’s then youngest ever participant.
The quantity 10 additionally stayed with the crew by means of the 2020-21 season when the membership was relegated to the Championship due to wage cap breaches and made captain of the facet in 2021.
Final Might he kicked 13 factors as he led Saracens to his sixth Premiership title at Twickenham.
In 2016, Farrell additionally kicked all 21 factors as Saracens received their first European title towards Racing 92, and was a part of the edges that lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2019 too.
This season, Farrell has performed 9 instances for Sarries in all competitions after main England to the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup in France, the place they suffered a heartbreaking 16-15 loss towards South Africa.
Farrell has been a part of the final three British & Irish Lions excursions. His father, Eire coach Andy Farrell, has been appointed Lions coach for the 2025 tour of Australia.
‘Finish of an period for English rugby’ – evaluation
Chris Jones, BBC rugby union correspondent
Saracens have but to substantiate the transfer – it’s understood there may be nonetheless an unresolved problem concerning the switch charge, however sorting this must be a formality.
A two-year deal will imply Farrell can be turning 35 when subsequent accessible for England, and whereas it’s actually not unimaginable he’ll return to the worldwide fold, it might be unlikely.
Nevertheless, the Lions tour of 2025 – for which he can be eligible – is an intriguing prospect.
Shifting to France will supply him new experiences each on and off the sector as a participant, which must also serve him nicely for his inevitable transfer into teaching upon retirement.
However given his outstanding service to each membership and nation over the previous decade and extra, Farrell’s departure nicely and actually represents the top of an period for English rugby.