Owen Farrell says ‘the time feels right’ to leave boyhood club Saracens after agreeing to join French giants Racing 92 this summer

Ohen Farrell has said it “feels like the right time” to leave Saracens after revealing his decision to leave his boyhood club and sign for French giants Racing 92.

Former England captain Farrell confirmed earlier this year that he was taking a break from international rugby to prioritize his and his family’s mental wellbeing.

The back’s decision to step away from the trial role was followed by the equally important news that he would be leaving Saracens for the TOP14.

Farrell signed a two-year contract with Paris-based Racing, managed by Stuart Lancaster, the man who gave him his England debut.

Speaking for the first time about his switch to French, Farrell said: “It’s difficult to leave a place that has been my home since I was 14. This is where I grew up, met many of my friends and of course started my family. It has been a difficult but exciting decision for our family.

‘We had never thought about moving abroad but for the first time we thought it would be good to go and experience something different and it seemed like the right time. The Saracens are a very difficult place to leave. The club has been fantastic to us and it really counts when all they care about is the person.

‘I have loved everything about this place, especially the people, and I will always be grateful to the fans who support us every weekend.

“Playing for this club has never been taken for granted. Looking to the end of the year, we look to do the best we can. I can’t wait to enjoy it in the coming months.”

Farrell has won 112 caps for England and went on three tours with the British & Irish Lions.

Moving to Racing will mean he will be ineligible for Test rugby under the RFU’s controversial foreign player ruling. Farrell would still be available to travel to Australia with the Lions in 2025.

His father, the current Ireland coach, Andy, will be responsible for that trip.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “Owen joined Saracens aged 14 and everyone at the club knows we have had the privilege of working with a once-in-a-generation player.”

“A fierce competitor on the field, a loving teammate and a family man off it, Owen has been the heartbeat of Saracens since his senior debut and pivotal to everything the club has achieved.

“We can’t wait for the next phase of this season with Owen and see him enjoying the opportunity ahead of him. He will always be part of the Saracen family.