Racing boss: We’re in talks with Owen
RACING boss Stuart Lancaster confirmed his French side have been in contact with Owen Farrell about a move to Paris — but Alfie Barbeary stole the show at the rec yesterday.
no 8 Barbeary, 23, inspired Bath to beat the French superpower but was left sweating on a possible Six nations ban after being red carded with six minutes left.
Barbeary scored a try that was part of Bath’s comeback from 22-8 down but was sent off for two yellow cards and will face a disciplinary panel this week, with england head coach Steve Borthwick due to name his squad for the Six nations on Wednesday.
Lancaster, one of Borthwick’s predecessors, admitted the French club had talked to the Saracen. He said: ‘Obviously there have been conversations. I am involved in the rugby side and there is another side of the business at racing.
‘racing are often linked with key players and I am lucky that my relationships with players from england and Ireland are all part of it, but we’ll see. He would be a great signing — who wouldn’t want a player like Owen Farrell?’
Barbeary was pivotal in helping Bath make the Champions Cup knockouts for the first time since 2015 but could easily have been sent off after six minutes. He hit racing full back Max Spring with a high shot that looked like a red but was only shown a yellow.
A second yellow was later dished out for a forearm smash on racing scrum-half nolann Le Garrec.
Barbeary’s power gained him a score, with Thomas du Toit, Joe Cokanasiga and wing Will Muir also on the score sheet.
Bath boss Johann van Graan said: ‘neither of the two incidents were on purpose — that is rugby. He kept fighting. He is a special player. He is a big personality in our team. They will look at both incidents individually. The referee thought they were both yellow cards, so we would like to think he will be available next week. We will trust the process.
‘When I signed him I said, “You can become the premier ball carrier in european rugby” and he carried exceptionally well. We rested him for Leicester and he has come back in phenomenal form.’