Owen Farrell is 'one of England’s greatest players' - Sam Warburton praise for departing Saracens star
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Published 31/05/2024 at 22:10 GMT
Owen Farrell departed domestic rugby in England on a losing note, as his Saracens team were beaten by Northampton Saints in the semi-finals of the Gallagher Premiership play-offs. Farrell is heading for a new challenge in France with Racing 92. He has admitted to loving every moment of life at Saracens, while Sam Warburton described Farrell as a great of the game.
Owen Farrell, the Saracens captain, looks dejected after their defeat during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens on March 29, 2024.
Image credit: Getty Images
Sam Warburton described Owen Farrell as “a great player, a great influence” after the curtain came down on his Gallagher Premiership career with an agonising defeat to Northampton Saints in the play-off semi-finals.
Farrell will head for a new challenge in France after signing a deal to play for Racing 92 in the Top 14.
He leaves after 16 years on Saracens' books, save for a loan spell at Bedford, and the 32-year-old said he had “loved every minute” of his time with the Premiership club.
“It is sad that this season is done,” Farrell told TNT Sports. “But I will look back on it fondly rather than these sad times.
“I think I first came down when I was 13, I came down with my dad that year. I have spent most of my life at this club and I have loved it.
“It is brilliant. When you get to occasions like these and atmospheres like this. It is brilliant.
“I have loved it. I have loved all of it. There have been brilliant times, there have been tough times, and I have loved every minute of it.”
Former Wales international Warburton was on punditry duty for TNT Sports, and had high praise for Farrell as a player and a person.
“When you take a step outside, which will be Saracens soon, you will realise how loved you are in the rugby world and what you have contributed to the Premiership, England, British & Irish Lions, is nothing short of remarkable,” Warburton told Farrell.
“It is hard now but you will one day take a step away and think ‘I did alright.’”
After Farrell had departed to commiserate with Saracens fans, Warburton added: “I have always defended him. He is one of the game’s greats. Anybody who can’t see that has very little rugby IQ.
“He is one of England’s greatest players, a great player, a great influence, and it will be sad to see him leave the Premiership.”
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