Leicester ‘rebuffed’ by Owen Farrell as hunt resumes for Handre Pollard’s replacement while England star’s Premiership return confirmed
Owen Farrell has reportedly turned down an approach from Leicester Tigers.
England international Henry Arundell is set to leave Racing 92 at the end of the Top 14 season and return to the Premiership for a high-profile move to big-spending Bath.
The 22-year-old former London Irish flyer has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at the Recreation Ground side as his time with the French giants is coming to an end.
Arundell, who has played 10 Tests for England, is currently unavailable to his country due to the Rugby Football Union’s selection policy, but that will change next season.
Homecoming
It’ll be something of a homecoming move for the rapid wing as he spent much of his childhood in the area, attending Holt VC Primary School and Beechen Cliff in the city.
Arundell, who can play both wing and full-back, burst on to the scene for London Irish in 2021/22 with a remarkable length-of-the-field try against Toulon, culminating in being named the Premiership’s Land Rover Discovery of the Season and was nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
Following the collapse of London Irish, Arundell moved to Racing 92 immediately after the 2023 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick on his Top 14 debut and going on to claim 13 tries in 30 appearances for the French club.
Speaking about returning to his boyhood club, Arundell said: “Joining Bath will be a very special occasion for both myself and my family. We’ve been Bath fans for generations – ever since my grandparents – and growing up I spent many years in the stands supporting the team.
“Now, to potentially have the opportunity to wear a Bath rugby shirt is incredibly exciting.
“The team is in a fantastic place right now, with a brilliant culture, and I’m confident we can create some amazing memories over the next few years.”
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan added: “Henry has some world-class attributes, more specifically, his speed and try-scoring ability.
“Henry made it very clear when we spoke that he wants to improve as a player and I believe that Bath is the club to do that.
“His willingness to learn, grow and become better, fits in well with what we, as a group of players, coaches and staff are all working towards on our journey together.”
Owen Farrell
News of Arundell’s upcoming departure from Racing comes after head coach Stuart Lancaster left his role with immediate effect as the team has struggled in 2024/25.
According to Rugby Pass, there has also been an approach from Leicester Tigers to try and entice Owen Farrell back to the Premiership as they look to replace Handre Pollard.
The Springboks fly-half’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign and there are several clubs circling to bring in the two-time Rugby World Cup winner’s services.
Farrell inked a two-year deal at Racing 92 ahead of last season but according to the report the England international is determined to see out the terms of his contract.
