Mark McCall, the director of rugby for Saracens, recently verified that the club has initiated conversations with Racing 92 regarding the potential return of fly-half Owen Farrell. This development follows Farrell’s departure from Saracens to join the French Top 14 team at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season. His return to the Gallagher Premiership could be imminent, considering he had previously dedicated over 250 games to Saracens, marking an impactful tenure.
The discussions about Farrell’s potential reintegration into the squad were spurred by a significant injury to Saracens fly-half Alex Lozowski, who sustained his injury during a match against Leicester in early April. McCall noted that Lozowski’s long-term absence qualifies Saracens for an injury dispensation, which could facilitate the re-signing of a player in his position. McCall expressed that for Owen Farrell to be added to the list of potential signings, Racing 92 would need to agree to let him out of his contract. He stated, “As far as I know, Owen can only join that list if Racing are prepared to let him go,” indicating the complexities involved in this negotiation.
In their most recent match, Saracens clinched a narrow victory over Bath with a score of 36-26. However, despite this win, Saracens concluded the season in sixth place on the Premiership table, just two points shy of the play-off spots. This marks a substantial moment for the club, as it is only the third occasion since 2009 that they have failed to reach the play-offs, signifying a shift in team dynamics and performance.
The 2023/24 season has been characterized by a transitional phase for Saracens, particularly following the departure of their stalwart, Owen Farrell. McCall further acknowledged that the team is undergoing changes, as club legend Alex Goode is also set to leave. Reflecting on the Bath match, he remarked, “I don’t really want to talk about today, a pretty stodgy game to be honest.” His comments suggest an awareness of the challenges faced during the season, highlighting that the team has yet to perform consistently to the standards they aspire to.
McCall went on to convey a more optimistic outlook regarding the growth exhibited throughout the season: “At times this year we’ve shown what a good team we can be.” He recognized that the group demonstrated their capability to compete at high levels but expressed a need for improvement, stating, “We can be taken away from that high level far too easily.” This perspective indicates that while progress has been made, there is still significant work ahead for Saracens as they look toward future seasons.
He drew parallels between Saracens’ situation and other teams that have undergone similar transitions, referencing their past encounters with Bath and Northampton: “When we played Bath three or four years ago, they were nowhere near as good as they are now. Northampton exactly the same.” McCall’s insights reveal a long-term planning view, recognizing that development takes time, and he believes Saracens have established foundational steps for rebuilding.
As Saracens reflect on their campaign, other clubs such as Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers, and Bristol Bears have successfully secured their places in the play-offs alongside Bath. These matches will be showcased live on platforms such as TNT Sports and discovery+ next weekend, capturing the excitement of the semi-final rounds. The culmination of the season creates a narrative of resilience and ambition for Saracens, reinforcing the importance of adapting and evolving within the competitive landscape of rugby.
