Steve Borthwick is increasingly resigned to Owen Farrell joining the growing number of players heading to France but believes English rugby has “turned a corner” after unveiling Jamie George as his new captain.
Borthwick revealed he spoke to Farrell – strongly linked with a move to Racing 92 – the day before announcing his 36-man squad for the Six Nations and confirming George as the fly-half’s successor as captain. The 33-year-old hooker is understood to have been close to agreeing a move to the Top 14 towards the end of last year but he has signed a new two‑year deal at Saracens and on Wednesday became the first player publicly announced to have been offered an “enhanced” contract by the Rugby Football Union.
