Owen Farrell returns to Saracens after troubled season in France

In June 2025, Owen Farrell, the former England rugby captain, returned to Saracens after a challenging season with Racing 92 in France. He had left his long-standing club Saracens after more than 250 appearances to join the Top 14 outfit, having called time on a 16-year stay. Unfortunately, Farrell faced various injuries during his single season in France, which limited his playtime and disrupted his form. Despite the difficulties, he expressed no regrets about the move, emphasizing the lessons learned and the importance of the experience. Farrell has not participated in Test rugby since the 2023 World Cup while he focused on his mental wellbeing and dealt with injuries. He made it clear that he has not retired from international duty, maintaining communication with England's coach Steve Borthwick throughout his time away. Despite not being selected in the Lions squad, he has not completely closed the door on international play, mentioning that his return to Saracens could open opportunities for selection. Upon returning to Saracens, Farrell claimed he would focus solely on getting into peak form and enjoying his rugby. He believes that positive mental health and happiness are crucial to getting the most out of his performance. He also took part in a Challenge Cup semi-final match shortly before his return, resulting in a head injury, which further complicated his season in France. While Farrell is present as a player with vast experience and past accomplishments, he emphasizes the need to concentrate on his club career first rather than think about international prospects or possible late call-ups to the Lions. His priority is to reintegrate into Saracens and get back to playing consistently at a high level, fostering a positive environment for himself and his teammates as he hopes for a fulfilling season ahead.