Owen Farrell's Leicester Tigers switch back on in dramatic U-turn – here's what we know
Today at 08:03 AM
Leicester Tigers are going all-in to lure Owen Farrell back to English rugby, with the England centurion firmly in their sights as Handré Pollard prepares to head for the exit door this summer.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
French adventure faltering
Farrell's start to life in Paris hasn't gone to plan. The 33-year-old swapped Saracens for Racing 92 on a two-year deal (with the option of a third), but injuries have plagued his debut season in the Top 14.
After a two-month layoff from November to January, the fly-half returned against the Stormers in the Champions Cup and featured again versus Castres. But Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti wasn't impressed—brutally claiming Farrell "played at the speed of a snail going backwards."
Lancaster gone, pressure on
With Stuart Lancaster making a surprise early exit from Racing and the club underperforming, Farrell's future is now under the microscope. Leicester saw their chance—and made their move.
Farrell says non merci
But according to reports, Farrell has already turned down the Tigers' approach. The England legend wants to see out his time in France, at least for now.
Plan B already in motion?
Leicester aren’t giving up just yet. Word is they could bring in Gloucester's Gareth Anscombe as a short-term fix, then approach Farrell again when he becomes a free agent next summer in 2026.
Watch this space.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Statement: Women's Six Nations match postponed
- England confirms they've ditched Umbro for new kit supplier
- Celebrity Traitors full line-up revealed with Joe Marler confirmed
- Ben Youngs out, Lions icon in? Leicester line up stunning scrum-half swap
- Ben Youngs confirms retirement, takes on coaching role
Three England Stars Who Could Lose Their Central Contracts
Last October, England handed out 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts as part of the shiny new Professional Game Partnership deal.
It gave head coach Steve Borthwick more control than ever, including the final word on all sports science and medical matters.
Among the big winners were George Ford, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith – all three fly-halves receiving upgraded deals ahead of the autumn internationals.
But fast forward six months, and not all those golden ticket holders are sitting pretty. We take a look at three players who could be on the chopping block ahead of the next round of central contract decisions.
#1. Henry Slade – The Class Act Losing His Place
Slade's silky style has long made him a favourite with fans – but his Six Nations was anything but smooth. Once pencilled in as a midfield maestro, he now finds himself completely out of Borthwick's 23.
His combination with Ollie Lawrence never quite clicked, and although there were flickers of promise, it wasn’t enough to convince the coaches. Slade was ultimately cast aside in favour of Fraser Dingwall, and now his England future – and his central contract – looks seriously uncertain.
Possible replacement: Fraser Dingwall
The mid-Six Nations switch that saw him take Slade’s place has given Dingwall a solid opportunity to make a real push for a long-term role in the squad. A gritty and intelligent player, he's an ideal fit in the centre and could continue his rise with consistent performances.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post Owen Farrell’s Leicester Tigers switch back on in dramatic U-turn – here’s what we know appeared first on Ruck.
