Mark McCall, director of rugby at Saracens, has dismissed speculation about Owen Farrell returning to the club after his departure last season. Farrell, the former Saracens captain and England fly-half, left after a 16-year career at the Premiership club and joined Racing 92 in Paris. However, his time in France has been difficult, with injuries and the departure of head coach Stuart Lancaster in January.
When asked about Farrell potentially rejoining Saracens, McCall described the rumors as “not worth answering.” He emphasized that Farrell is still under contract with Racing 92 for another year and expressed frustration at the numerous speculative stories circulating. McCall made it clear that there is no point addressing what he described as “pie in the sky” talk and preferred not to comment further.
While McCall declined to confirm any return, he did suggest that Farrell’s future in rugby would likely be in coaching. With Saracens preparing to appoint a new attack coach following Kevin Sorrell’s announced departure, McCall acknowledged Farrell’s strong credentials as a potential coach. Although Farrell has not applied or been interviewed for the role, McCall noted the fly-half’s rugby intelligence, passion, and family background in coaching his father, Andy Farrell, is a respected coach himself. McCall said he would be “very surprised” if Farrell did not eventually commit to coaching once his playing days conclude.
Farrell currently remains focused on his playing career and has 14 months left on his Racing contract. McCall confirmed that Farrell is “a player for now” and dismissed suggestions that he would immediately transition into coaching at Saracens.
Meanwhile, another England stalwart, Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole, announced his retirement at the end of the current season. At 38, Cole is England’s second-most capped men’s player with 118 international appearances. His distinguished career includes participation in four Rugby World Cups, reaching the final in 2019, four Premiership titles with Leicester, and two British & Irish Lions tours.
Cole’s decision to retire was influenced partly by the timing of his longtime teammate Ben Youngs also stepping away from professional rugby. Cole reflected on the challenges of continuing at the highest level as he ages, noting the physical demands and the changing dynamic in the Leicester squad, where many players are a decade younger. He expressed a desire not to linger too long as “the old guy” in the dressing room and believed this was the right moment for both him and the club to move forward.
He also pointed to the upcoming changes at Leicester, including the appointment of Geoff Parling as head coach, signaling a new chapter for the team. Cole’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Leicester and English rugby.
England head coach Steve Borthwick paid tribute to Cole’s career, calling it a privilege to have played and coached him. He praised Cole’s team spirit, talent, and loyalty to both club and country, highlighting his remarkable contribution to rugby.
Cole’s career highlights include all three British & Irish Lions tests against Australia in 2013 and the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand. He hopes to finish on a high note by helping Leicester secure another Premiership title, with the team currently positioned second before the final round of the regular season.
As Farrell’s future remains uncertain beyond his current contract and Cole prepares to retire, both players represent the closing of important chapters in English rugby, with new generations poised to step up in the coming seasons.
