McCall backs Farrell to shine in Sarries return

OWEN FARRELL will return to the Saracens side on Saturday for his first appearance since his club revealed that the England captain has decided to step down from test duty. the 32-year-old fly-half will not take part in the Six Nations — and may never represent his country again — after opting to prioritise ‘his and his family’s mental well-being’. However, he will continue to play for the Premiership champions, and after missing their home defeat by Northampton last weekend due to a minor injury, farrell has been cleared for a high-altitude comeback in their Champions Cup opener against South Africa’s Bulls in Pretoria. ‘owen is available and he’s going to play this weekend,’ said director of rugby Mark McCall. ‘He’s trained fully over the last two days.’

Asked if he thought farrell would benefit from the decision being publicised, to allow him to focus solely on club rugby, McCall added: ‘that’s a very simplistic way of looking at it. I wouldn’t dare presume anything. I find it uncomfortable talking too much about something which is really, really private, so I’d rather not say too much.’ Having farrell back is a boost for Saracens ahead of a daunting task against a Bulls side who are third in the United Rugby Championship and have several World Cup-winning Springboks. ‘owen has played in lots of huge games for the club,’ said McCall. ‘He is our captain and he is respected by everyone.’ Meanwhile, Sale Sharks expect Manu tuilagi to be available for their home encounter with Stade francais on Sunday — as the England centre has recovered from the hand he fractured in the World Cup.