Alex Lozowski switch and ex-Wasps signing: How Saracens are planning for life after Owen Farrell

Attention turns to the future after Sarries finally confirm captain’s farewell
Nick Purewal29 February 2024

Alex Lozowski will stake a claim for a long-term switch to fly-half next season as Saracens look to life after Owen Farrell.

Saracens finally rubber-stamped Farrell’s summer switch to Racing 92 last night, more than a month after the French club confirmed the 32-year-old's transfer.

Saracens were waiting for Parisian giants Racing to nail down the finer points of the deal, not least the hefty transfer fee required to prise Farrell away from StoneX Stadium.

Now that Farrell’s France switch has been signed off, Saracens can look to tie up their plans for next term. Farrell’s immediate replacement is expected to come from within the club, with England centre Lozowski lined up to shift inside to No10.

Former Wasps centre Sam Spink is also in line to join Saracens from Australian outfit Western Force, with the 24-year-old keen to return to England.

Lozowski has been sidelined for the bulk of this term after knee ligament surgery but will be gunning for full fitness for next season.

Alex Lozowski will get a crack at fly-half next season
Getty Images

England A centre Olly Hartley has stepped up in midfield in Lozowski's absence, and Saracens have high hopes for the London native's long-term development. Wales centre Nick Tompkins represents another versatile option in midfield.

Before all the reshuffling however, Farrell will bid to steer Saracens to one more Premiership title. The 112-cap fly-half will make his 250th Sarries appearance when Mark McCall’s side host Harlequins at Tottenham Stadium on Saturday, March 23, when the league resumes after the Six Nations.

Farrell has been at Saracens almost half his life, and admitted deciding to leave was not an easy process.

“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.

"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 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.”

Farrell will go on the hunt for a magnificent seventh Premiership crown before heading off to France in the summer, where he will be coached by his former England boss Stuart Lancaster.

His current coach, Saracens chief McCall, paid tribute to a generational star.

"Owen joined Saracens at 14, and everyone at the club knows we have been privileged to work with a once-in-a-generation player," said McCall.

"A fierce competitor on the field, a loving team-mate 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.”

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