England and Saracens are increasingly resigned to losing talisman Owen Farrell to Racing 92 this summer.
Farrell has fielded a compelling offer to move to Paris at the end of the season, and could well now complete terms on a two-year deal to leave English rugby.
The 32-year-old has spent 16 years in Saracens’ senior side at his sole club, winning 112 England caps since his 2012 Test debut.
Farrell has withdrawn from Test selection for the Six Nations, to protect his and his family’s mental health after online criticism and fan booing during the World Cup.
The three-time Lions tourist will be off-limits for England selection if he moves to an overseas club, but could look to return home in time to contest selection for the 2027 World Cup.
Saracens have offered Farrell a competitive contract to stay in north London, and the RFU have tabled hybrid terms too.
Both will hold out hope that he opts to stay at home, but all parties will fully respect the long-term servant to English rugby should he now opt for a new challenge.
England head coach Steve Borthwick struck a reflective tone when quizzed on Farrell’s situation, backing his World Cup captain to make the best decision for himself. “I spoke with Owen yesterday, and I think what’s important is that Owen makes a decision that’s right for him and his family,” said Borthwick.
“Will a player of Owen’s calibre be missed if he chooses to play outside of England? Yes, of course. Do I want him at some point in the future to come back? Yes.
“But I also want him to do what’s right for him and his family and have the experiences and memories that he wants to make.”
Borthwick has named Jamie George to replace Farrell as England captain, and the Saracens hooker heads up a 36-man squad for the Six Nations.
England will start their campaign without either Kyle Sinckler or Billy Vunipola, both stalwarts overlooked for selection.
Dan Cole, Joe Heyes and Will Stuart have made the ranks at tighthead prop, while Alex Dombrandt has been recalled ahead of Saracens No8 Vunipola.
Borthwick hopes Sinckler and Vunipola will be back in England action in future, but both men have been heavily linked to moves abroad this summer.
“I’ve spoken to both players regularly about what I’d like to see develop in their games to be in the squad,” said Borthwick, of Sinckler and Vunipola.
“What you see is competition for places and that’s really important.
“Will Stuart has been playing well for Bath, and there has been development in Joe Heyes’ game, particularly this year.
“Dan Cole is extremely experienced and there’s a new player like Joe Heyes, so that’s a position where we have that cross section.”
Henry Slade joins Dombrandt in returning despite being overlooked for the World Cup.
Borthwick praised the Exeter centre and the Quins back-row forward for reacting to their World Cup omissions by forcing their way back into the Test squad.
“Slade in particular, he has been a match-winner for Exeter on a number of occasions this season,” said Borthwick.
“And in Dombrandt too I see another player who is playing well this season.
“For Slade at Exeter, he’s the guy that the younger players turn to, and he’s been magnificent.”
