Owen Farrell on verge of quitting English rugby for blockbuster Top 14 move

Reports in France state Farrell will sign a two-year deal with the Top 14 giants

Owen Farrell is on the verge of quitting English rugby and signing a two-year contract with French heavyweights Racing 92, according to reports.

The 112-cap England international recently announced he was taking a break from Test rugby to prioritise his and his family's well-being, ruling himself out of the upcoming Six Nations. England head coach Steve Borthwick yesterday said he was hopeful Farrell would eventually return to represent the Red Rose.

But well-respected French website Midi Olympique are reporting Farrell is set to leave Saracens to take up a contract with Racing 92 in Paris. They claim the former England captain will join Racing 92 on a two-year contract.

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Should Farrell opt to join Racing 92 he would become no longer able to represent England due to the Rugby Football Union's rule which prohibits any players plying their trade outside of the country getting selected, although he would still be eligible for next summer's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Young England wing Henry Arundell, who is ironically at Racing 92, recently fell foul of the rule, and for the time being is not eligible to represent his country. The Top 14 leaders are currently coached by Farrell's former England boss Stuart Lancaster, and have a star-studded roster which includes South Africa's inspirational double Rugby World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi.

Racing recently attempted to sign Marcus Smith from Harlequins but now appear to have their sights set on Farrell.