Statement: Stuart Lancaster departs Racing 92 with immediate effect, Owen Farrell could follow
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Stuart Lancaster's time at Racing 92 is officially over, with sources confirming the former England boss has left the Top 14 giants with immediate effect.
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Speculation had been mounting after reports emerged last night suggesting Lancaster could be on his way out following a disappointing start to the 2024/25 campaign. Now, insiders at Racing 92 have told Planet Rugby that the ex-Leinster coach has indeed departed.
The Parisian outfit is wasting no time in finding a replacement, with former Toulon and La Rochelle boss Patrice Collazo expected to step in and steady the ship.
Owen Farrell next?
The former England fly-half came under heavy fire from French media following Racing 92's 27-20 home defeat to Castres at the La Défense Arena last weekend.
It's been a season to forget for Farrell, who has already been labelled this season's Top 14's "biggest flop" by critics.
His latest performance has only fuelled the fire, with Midi Olympique describing the 33-year-old's outing as "probably his worst performance" since joining Racing 92 last summer from Saracens.
Farrell, who recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff, started at fly-half but looked a shadow of his former self. He missed four tackles, struggled to dictate the game, and saw his passing criticised as "particularly slow," while his kicking lacked its usual sharpness. With Racing's backline misfiring, much of the blame has landed squarely on Farrell's shoulders.
"Disappointing since the start of the season, Owen Farrell delivered a more than worrying performance on Saturday evening. Will he ever return to his former level?" asked Marc Duzan of Midi Olympique. The publication didn't hold back, questioning whether Farrell is still "strong enough" to handle the demands of the Top 14.
A shock return to the Premiership?
Farrell's struggles in France have sparked rumours of a potential return to the Gallagher Premiership, with both Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.
A move back to England could offer the 33-year-old a fresh start and a chance to recapture the form that made him one of rugby's most feared playmakers. He’d also be eligible to return for England.
For now, Farrell remains at Racing 92, but questions over his future—and his ability to rediscover his best form—are growing louder by the week.
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