Owen Farrell could become Premiership's highest-paid player as Saracens look to retain England captain

Farrell is set to maintain his status as a marquee player at club Saracens next year amid rule changes, potentially becoming the league’s top-paid player.

A change to the salary cap regulations means a club can now only designate one ‘marquee’ player rather than the previous two, with the 32-year-old set to become Saracens’ priority.

Having led England to a third place finish at the recent Rugby Union World Cup in France, Farrell’s contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, believed to currently earn £800,000 a year.

It is further believed that the three-time Six Nations winner, who had been rumoured with a cross-code switch, could stand to earn more than £1million on a new contract, with Scotland fly-half Finn Russell, 31, one of the top earners on a £1m salary at Bath.

Farrell, a former Wigan St Patricks youngster and son of legend Andy Farrell, had been linked with a move to Super League champions Wigan Warriors after sharing his admiration for his junior code.

He told the Mirror: “I always wonder if I could do it, if I’d be any good. I love the game, I love watching Wigan, and I’m obsessed with the NRL. I watch as much as I can.”

The number 13 shirt at the DW Stadium is currently vacant following the departure of Morgan Smithies to the NRL with Canberra Raiders ahead of 2024. However, Farrell looks all but set to remain in rugby union, where he has captained England since 2019.