There was quite the sense of surprise among rugby fans when it was reported that Owen Farrell was considering a move to France at the end of the season.
The 32-year old has been synonymous with the success experienced by Saracens over the last decade, while he is also still the captain of England. Even though he has opted against playing in the 2024 Six Nations, there had been no indication that the player was considering forfeiting his international career by moving abroad.
It is said that he is close to agreeing a deal to join Racing 92 this summer, where he would link up with former England head coach Stuart Lancaster.
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Brian O'Driscoll gives opinion on Owen Farrell to France rumour
It is unclear what the motivation if for Owen Farrell to considering ending his 16-year spell at Saracens. Many players opt to move to France due to the money on offer, although some feel that is unlikely to be the driving factor in this case.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Brian O'Driscoll said that a desire to escape from the scrutiny placed on him in England could be the reason for Owen Farrell's potential move to Racing 92.
Stuart Lancaster, if it is Racing 92, obviously they’ve got unfinished business. [It] didn’t quite work out in 2015 maybe the way he would have hoped and we all know how Stuart has gone on with Leinster and had a good bit of success and really developed as a coach.
He’s got young kids, maybe he just needs a break away from it. Not that he wants to re-find love for the game but reading between the lines, I think the abuse that he’s taken over the course of the last 18 months has really taken its toll.
Maybe it feels as though it’s an opportunity to escape that for a while, live in another city and have a great time with his with his young family.
The other thing as well as this one doesn’t feel like it’s as financially motivated move. He’s paid very well here in the UK and does well internationally.
What he’s going to make over there won’t be significantly higher than what he makes here you wouldn’t imagine, comparatively to other players that can go and double their salary over in France.
So this one feels as though it might be more of a move that will work out for him and his family and from a rugby point of view just to change things up.
Owen Farrell has opted out of the 2024 Six Nations, with the player citing a need to 'prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing' on the back of the heavy criticism he received ahead of last year's Rugby World Cup.
He may well feel that some time away from his home country will help in this regard.
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