Owen Farrell makes decision as Leicester Tigers launch move for ex-England skipper

With Handré Pollard set to leave at the end of the season, the Tigers are on the hunt for a world-class fly-half—and the England legend is at the top of their list.

Farrell, however, is enduring a tough first season in France, and Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti hasn’t held back.

The 33-year-old joined the Top 14 giants on a two-year deal (with an option for a third), but injuries have disrupted his campaign.

After missing over two months between November and January, Farrell returned for Racing’s Champions Cup clash with the Stormers and was named in the XV to face Castres a week later. But Lorenzetti was unimpressed, brutally stating that the fly-half “played at the speed of a snail going backwards.”

With Racing struggling and Stuart Lancaster leaving his role with immediate effect, speculation around Farrell’s future is only growing.

Leicester’s approach seemed like the perfect escape route—but according to reports, Farrell has rebuffed their initial offer and is determined to see out his contract in France.

However, the English club could return for him next year when he enters the final six months of his Racing contract.

Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)
Wales and Lions legend. A metronomic boot, safe under the high ball, and still one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game.

Liam Williams (Saracens)
The 'Bomb Defuser' is fearless in the air and electric in open play. A British & Irish Lion with big-game pedigree.

Santiago Cordero (Connacht)
Argentina's elusive wizard. Lightning feet, low centre of gravity – a nightmare for defenders on the wing or at fullback.

Lennox Anyanwu (Harlequins)
A breakout talent with serious attacking flair and physical presence. One for the future – if he lands in the right setup.

Chris Harris (Gloucester)
One of the most reliable defensive centres in Europe. A rock for Scotland and a Lions tourist in 2021.

Will Addison (Sale Sharks)
Versatile, classy, and smart. Can slot in across the backline. Injuries have slowed him, but still bags of talent to offer.

Jimmy Gopperth (Provence)
Veteran Kiwi playmaker. 41 years old and still pulling strings with his game management and goalkicking nous.

Billy Burns (Munster)
An Ireland international with Super Rugby heritage. Classy distributor and calm under pressure.

Freddie Burns
Clutch drop-goal hero in Leicester’s 2022 Premiership title win. A wildcard 10 with a golden boot and a point to prove.

Ali Price (Edinburgh)
A British & Irish Lion with pace, sharp service, and attacking instincts. Still plenty to offer at the top level.

Conor Murray (Munster)
Ireland’s legendary No.9. Over 100 caps and a tactical maestro. Slower these days, but leadership is priceless.

Ratko Jelic (Zebre)
Italian-qualified and showing promise. Not a household name yet, but clubs looking long-term should take note.

Mayco Vivas (Gloucester)
Powerhouse Argentine loosehead. Still young and coming into his prime. Brings scrum stability and South American steel.

Paula Latu (Dragons)
Tongan bulldozer. Aggressive in the carry and an underrated scrummager. Low-cost, high-impact option.

Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh)
Welsh tighthead with international experience and a reputation for scrum dominance. Solid and dependable.

Julian Montoya (Leicester Tigers)
Pumas skipper. World-class set-piece operator and ferocious at the breakdown. Arguably the top hooker available.

Agustin Creevy (Benetton)
42 and still going strong. A leader, an enforcer, and an asset in the locker room.

Luca Bigi (Zebre)
Former Italy captain. Great throw, good work rate, and no-nonsense attitude. Ready-made depth for any club.

Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks)
England international with top-tier Premiership and Lions experience. Brings muscle and an edge.

Adam Beard (Ospreys)
6’8” Welshman with a high work rate and line-out savvy. Offers grunt and leadership in equal measure.

Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks)
Versatile lock/back-row hybrid. Explosive ball-carrier and dominant in collisions.

Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
Former England No.8. Huge in the Top 14, and now a dynamic, offloading force. Deserves another Test shot.

Nathan Hughes (Black Rams Tokyo)
A wrecking ball at his best. Former England international with elite power and strong Super Rugby credentials.

Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester)
Underrated dynamo. Ball-carrying machine and relentless tackler. South African steel meets Premiership polish.

You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.

It’s more difficult than it sounds.

Good luck, and let us know how you do