Owen Farrell breaks silence on international break and ‘new challenge’ in France

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Owen Farrell has left the door open for a possible return to Saracens in the future after revealing that his break from England action has left him refreshed ahead of a “new challenge” in France next season. The fly-half’s move followed an announcement after last year’s World Cup that he would be stepping away from international action, removing himself from consideration for Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad. It’s a new challenge and one that hopefully is good for us.” Farrell has spent his entire club career with Saracens and will make his 250th appearance for the club against Harlequins on Saturday afternoon. open image in gallery Owen Farrell is England’s record points scorer The departure of England’s leading points scorer is indicative of an end of an era for a side that have dominated English rugby, with coach Mark McCall confirming that both Mako and Billy Vunipola were “coming towards the end of their time” in north London.