Owen Farrell admits that leaving Saracens was a “difficult decision” but that he is ready to “experience something different” by moving to Racing 92.
Farrell's comments came on Wednesday as Saracens officially confirmed the ex-England skipper's departure at the end of the season, after Racing revealed the news in January.
The 32-year-old had already said he would take a step back from international rugby through the first part of 2024 in November, before a short period of speculation in the New Year was followed by him sealing a move to the French capital.
“It is tough to be leaving a place that has been my home since I was 14,” said Farrell. “This is where I've grown up, met a lot of my friends and of course started my family.
“It has been a difficult decision but it is an exciting one for our family. It has never been something we have thought about before, but for the first time ever we thought it would be good to go and experience something different, and the time feels right.”
Since his debut for Saracens just 11 days after his 17th birthday in 2008, Farrell has won six Premiership titles and three Champions Cup trophies for the club, and he is set to make his 250th appearance in Saracens' next Premiership game against Harlequins when the Premiership gets back underway in March.
“We have been privileged to work with a once-in-a-generation player,” said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.
“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 central to all the club has achieved.
“We can't wait for the next phase of this season with Owen and to see him enjoy the opportunity that is ahead of him. He will always be part of the Saracens family.”
Farrell is looking to sign off on a high note, and while Saracens have had a tough 2023/24 campaign at times and face a daunting trip away to Bordeaux-Begles in the last 16 of the Champions Cup, they sit just one point off a home semi-final spot in their bid to win a seventh Premiership crown.
“Saracens is a very difficult place to leave,” he added. “The club have been fantastic with us, and it really counts for something when they care about nothing but the person.
“I have loved everything about this place, the people especially, and I'll always be thankful to the fans who support us every weekend.
“It has never been taken for granted playing for this club. Going in to the back end of the year we are looking to make it the best we can, and I can't wait to enjoy that over the coming months.”
For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.
