'Born winner' Owen Farrell could be missing piece for Racing 92, France move chance to 'have no regrets' - Stuart Hogg

Racing 92 have “landed on their feet” by bringing in “born winner” Owen Farrell, says TNT Sports expert Stuart Hogg.

News broke earlier in the week that the England star will depart Saracens at the end of the season to join the Paris side on a two-year deal.

The move will rule him out of contention for England selection due to RFU rules, but Farrell had already withdrawn from the 2024 Six Nations to focus on his mental health.

The TNT Sports punditry team of Hogg, Ugo Monye, Brian O’Driscoll and Tom Shanklin discussed the move and its implications.

Hogg believes that Racing and Farrell could be the perfect match as the French side look to win their first piece of European silverware, something that eluded them even with great former No. 10s like Dan Carter, Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton.

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

“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.”

Ireland legend O’Driscoll, who spent his entire club career with Leinster, also supported Farrell’s decision.

The 45-year-old pointed to the impact of Johnny Wilkinson at Toulon as one precedent that can give Farrell confidence that he will make an impact.

“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.”

O’Driscoll added: “In many ways I’m glad I was a one-club man but at the same time if you look at the experiences that people have had going to Japan, down in France…

“The likes of George North going to Provence – it’s only for the rugby and not for the loot. Courtney Lawes is going there too. And good luck to them.

“I think if you can find a good balance, a new experience but a chance to actually still achieve something in the game, that’s a nice combo to have.”

For Monye, Farrell’s arrival along with the recent addition of South Africa captain Siya Kolisi will give Racing belief that they can go on and win the Investec Champions Cup for the first time.

The French side have finished as runners-up in the competition three times, but are yet to lift the trophy.

“[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.”

Although Farrell will be ineligible for England while he is playing for a French side, he would still be in contention for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia next year.

His father Andy, the Ireland head coach, will lead the Lions in 2025 and Shanklin believes that Farrell’s decision to step away from the England limelight for now will give him a better chance of staying at his peak.

“I think it will prolong his career. He’s still eligible for the Lions. I’m sure he will go on that trip,” Shaklin said.

“But mentally, it’s refreshing as well. Not having the pressure of the Six Nations or international rugby coming up.

“It’s nice sometimes if you have been injured, just having that break of not having to play, not having to get up for games, not having the pressure of it. He’s England captain as well, that comes with a lot of pressure.

“There’s a lot of divided opinion, he takes a lot of flak in the press. I think he’s a great player, he’s a player you would want in your team. But good luck to him, step away from the goldfish bowl of English rugby and just enjoy your rugby.”

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