England captain Owen Farrell is speaking to French membership Racing 92 about becoming a member of them subsequent season, Midi Olympique newspaper reported on Friday, probably ending his worldwide profession after he determined to take a break this yr for psychological well being causes. Sources near the deal confirmed to Reuters that negotiations have been going down however Racing stated nothing had been agreed.

“We deny any agreement regarding the English player Owen Farrell,” the French membership stated in an announcement. Farrell, who has 112 England caps and was made skipper by former coach Eddie Jones, has been at London membership Saracens since making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2008 however his present contract expires on the finish of this season.

A transfer to the present Top 14 leaders, who lately signed South Africa’s double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi, would imply Farrell couldn’t play for England beneath the RFU’s guidelines agreed with the Premiership golf equipment. England coach Steve Borthwick advised reporters on Thursday he hoped Farrell, 32, would return to England, however that he revered the braveness it took to stroll away after final yr’s World Cup having reached the top of his tether with social media abuse.

“This is one of England’s greatest-ever players, greatest-ever captains,” Borthwick stated of the flyhalf, who made his England debut beneath Stuart Lancaster in 2012. “Any team in the world would miss an Owen Farrell but the work he has done to help create a foundation over these last months, to help re-set the England team and move forward, that is part of his legacy through this (Six Nations) tournament.”

With Courtney Lawes additionally retiring from internationals, Borthwick will announce a brand new captain on Jan. 17 when he names his squad for the Six Nations. Other England internationals have opted to play in France, ruling themselves out of worldwide choice, together with thrilling younger winger Henry Arundell, centre Joe Marchant, lock Dave Ribbans and flanker Jack Willis.

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