More than a month after Racing 92 confirmed the signing of Owen Farrell, Saracens have officially announced the fly-half’s departure at the end of the season.
The three-time European champions shared a statement on Wednesday confirming the former England captain’s 14-year stay with the London outfit will come to an end at the conclusion of the current campaign.
The announcement brings to an end a month-long limbo as many speculated that the two sides were coming to an agreement over a transfer fee.
The 112-cap England international will join the Parisian outfit on a two-year deal, teaming up with his former England head coach Stuart Lancaster as well as South Africa captain Siya Kolisi.
Farrell is currently out of action after opting to miss the Guinness Six Nations for personal reasons, but will make his 250th appearance for Saracens against Harlequins when the Gallagher Premiership returns at the end of March.
The reigning Premiership champions are still fighting on two fronts this season as they sit in fourth place in the league and have an away tie against Bordeaux-Begles in April in the Investec Champions Cup, meaning Farrell can end his Saracens career on a high.
“It is tough to be leaving a place that has been my home since I was 14,” Farrell said after the move was confirmed.
“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.
“Saracens is a very difficult place to leave. 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 into 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.”
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: “Owen joined Saracens at 14, and everyone at the club knows we have been privileged to work 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 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.”
