Owen Farrell and his family have made the move to Paris official, with the former England captain already joining Racing 92 for pre-season training.
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The stunning transfer, which rocked the rugby world, was confirmed by the French giants back in January when Farrell signed a lucrative two-year contract.
Saracens, the club where the 32-year-old has spent his entire domestic career, are believed to have pocketed a transfer fee of around £500,000.
However, Farrell’s move to France comes with a significant caveat—he will be ineligible to represent England while playing abroad, due to the RFU’s strict rule that only Gallagher Premiership players can be selected for Steve Borthwick’s national squad.
Explaining the move, Farrell began: “It is tough to be leaving a place that has been my home since I was 14.
“It has been a difficult decision but it is an exciting one for our family. For the first time ever we thought it would be good to go and experience something different, and the time feels right.”
Finn Russell’s advice:
Scotland fly-half Finn Russell played for Racing 92 between 2018 and 2023, and believes Owen Farrell will be a success.
“I loved my time in Paris, and you’ve got to go there with an open mind and try to fit in and take to their way of life and culture as much as possible,” Russell told Sky Sports at the premiere of Netflix’s Six Nations: Full Contact documentary series.
“It is different, it is challenging at times, but if I went over there and was stuck in how I did things in Scotland then you’d find it quite difficult.
“The quicker you can get up to speed with the language and just embrace everything, even if it’s tougher times, it’s good fun.
“I think he’ll be great over there if he does go. I’m not sure if he is going or not, but if he does go, I think he’ll be great.”
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Delving into his honourable mentions and other interviews, we’ve compiled Owens’ Six Nations dream team, necessitating six changes from his original selection.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”