Owen Farrell ruled out of Saracens return with injury

Mako Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola all return to bolster the Saracens pack, which will again feature Jamie George, Vincent Koch and Jackson Wray.

Hooker George will captain the side on Sunday with Owen Farrell, who was named new Club Captain this week, missing out with a slight strain.

Elliot Daly will also start at outside centre, while Sean Maitland returns to the left wing as one of eight changes to the starting XV that recorded a bonus-point win over Richmond.

“All of the international players are ready to crack on with rugby now,” said McCall. “They’re back in with their teammates, it’s great to have them back and they’ll all keen to roll their sleeves up.

“The history of these players coming back from international windows has always been really positive. They’ve been amazing, the attitude they’ve brought, they’ve brought a real life to the place and it’s been incredibly positive.

“It’s a time of the season which our players have always enjoyed, we’ve always played important games over April and May in the last few years and as it happens some of the games we are going to play are going to be as important.”

Saracens team to face Bedford Blues: 15. Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14. Alex Lewington, 13. Elliot Daly, 12. Duncan Taylor, 11. Sean Maitland, 10. Manu Vunipola, 9. Aled Davies; 1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Jamie George ©, 3. Vincent Koch, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Joel Kpoku, 6. Andy Christie, 7. Jackson Wray, 8. Billy Vunipola

His education began in rugby league - he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight.

It's well known that the Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford, however, it's less well known that he went onto study Business at Hertfordshire University.

Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack being a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.^[ Farrell is also a patron for Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity Duchenne UK.

He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford.

It's well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it's less commonly know that his uncle Sean O'Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009. He also has two younger sisters, Elleshia and Gracie and one younger brother, Gabriel.

He married his longtime girlfriend Georgina “Georgie” Farrell (née Lyon) in July 2018. Their son, Tommy Farrell, was born in March 2019. They keep their life largely private.

He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.

Along with his wife Georgie, he loves long walks with his dogs.

Owen Farrell loves Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer. He admires his game management, consistency and skill.

"Schalk Burger without a doubt. He has something special inside him that keeps him going all day."

In 2005, the 13-year-old Farrell had a trial at Old Trafford, and did enough to convince the club's academy executives that the then goalkeeper deserved an extended spell with the club. Years later, they dressed him up as a goalkeeper on his stag fo.

The England captain currently drives a Land Rover defender.