Owen Farrell: Saracens confirm departure of 'once-in-a-generation' fly-half ahead of Racing 92 move

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall has described Owen Farrell as a “once-in-a-generation” player after the club officially announced their captain will leave at the end of the season.

It has been over a month since French club Racing 92 shared the news that Farrell would join them on a two-year contract.

The fly-half said it was a “difficult decision” to step away from Saracens after 15 seasons, but the right one for his family.

Last year, former England captain Farrell announced he was taking a break from international rugby to prioritise his mental well-being.

That break will now be extended as he will be ineligible for selection by his country due to Rugby Football Union rules forbidding members of the national squad from playing abroad.

A statement from Saracens said: “Owen and his family are incredibly special to Saracens and always will be. This may be farewell but it is not goodbye.”

Farrell will rack up 250 appearances by the time he departs and McCall knows his contribution should never be forgotten.

“Owen joined Saracens at 14, and everyone at the club knows we have been privileged to work with a once-in-a-generation player.

“A fierce competitor on the field, a loving team-mate and a family man off it, Owen has been the heartbeat of Saracens since his senior debut and central to all the club has achieved.

"We can’t wait for the next phase of this season with Owen and to see him enjoy the opportunity that is ahead of him. He will always be part of the Saracens family,” he said.

Farrell has won six Premiership titles in his time with the club, as well as three European Champions Cups.

Speaking about his decision to move on, Farrell said: “It is tough to be leaving a place that has been my home since I was 14. This is where I’ve grown up, met a lot of my friends and of course started my family.

“It has been a difficult decision but it is an exciting one for our family. It has never been something we have thought about before, but for the first time ever we thought it would be good to go and experience something different, and the time feels right.

“Saracens is a very difficult place to leave. The club have been fantastic with us, and it really counts for something when they care about nothing but the person.

“I have loved everything about this place, the people especially, and I’ll always be thankful to the fans who support us every weekend.

“It has never been taken for granted playing for this club. Going in to the back end of the year we are looking to make it the best we can, and I can’t wait to enjoy that over the coming months.”

Saracens are currently fourth in Gallagher Premiership Rugby and are next in action against Harlequins on March 23.

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