Top 14 outfit Racing 92 have confirmed that Saracens and England fly-half Owen Farrell has agreed to join the club next season.
The 32-year-old will depart from Saracens after 15 seasons to move to the Parisian outfit after signing a two-year contract.
Racing are coached by former head coach Stuart Lancaster, who gave his international debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in a Six Nations Test in 2012.
A statement from Racing 92 said: “Racing 92 formalises the signing of Owen Farrell within its professional men’s team.
“The English international player is committed to two sporting seasons and will join the Ciel et Blanc squad from July 1, 2024.
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Due to his move to Racing, Farrell, who will miss this year’s Six Nations in order to prioritise his mental well-being, will become ineligible for international selection due to Rugby Football Union (RFU) rules.
The RFU does not allow players who are plying their trade abroad to be picked for England.
Farrell’s last appearance for England was during the 2023 Rugby World Cup bronze medal match against Argentina at the Stade de France in Paris in October, which England won narrowly 26-23.
He finished as the highest points-scorer (75) at the World Cup, just one point ahead of France full-back Thomas Ramos.
Farrell is also England’s record international points-scorer, has made 112 appearances at Test level and captained his country during the last two World Cup campaigns in France and Japan.
If he decides to leave Racing after two years and return to England, he would be 34, which suggests that a Test return would be unlikely.
However, Farrell would be on the British and Irish Lions’ radar for their tour to Australia in 2025. His father Andy has been appointed as the Lions’ head coach.
