Owen Farrell's English understudy makes Top 14 team of the week

Owen Farrell made his return from injury over the weekend as the relegation-threatened Racing 92 defeated ASM Clermont-Auvergne 21-23, but it was his team-mate Dan Lancaster who made Midi Olympique’s team of the week.

The former England captain started on the bench at the Stade Marcel Michelin as he made his return from an adductor injury that had kept him sidelined since January as his side slipped further and further down the Top 14 ladder.

Starting in his No.10 jersey was former England U20 fly-half Dan Lancaster, who kicked 10 points in the victory to earn his place in the team of the week.

Lancaster arrived in Paris over the summer from Ealing Trailfinders alongside Farrell to link up with his father, Stuart, who was coaching the side. He made a promising start to his career in sky blue and white, and was making his first appearance in the starting XV against Clermont since Stuart Lancaster left the club in January.

Le Top 14 a repris ses droits cette semaine et de nombreux joueurs ont brillé sur les pelouses françaises. Voici le XV de la semaine pour la 19ème journée du championnat de France.

Mention très bien à Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, notre oscar de la semaine ✨ pic.twitter.com/TcXBN8ggS2

— RUGBYRAMA (@RugbyramaFR) March 24, 2025

The win leaves Racing in 12th place in the league, seven points ahead of Vannes, who are in the automatic relegation spot, and five points clear of Perpignan in the relegation play-off spot.

With seven rounds remaining in the league, plenty of points can still be won and lost, but Farrell’s return will certainly boost Racing’s fortunes. The 112-cap England international will likely reclaim the No.10 jersey, but Lancaster has given coach Patrice Collazo plenty to think about.

Lancaster was joined by compatriot Joe Marchant in the team of the week, who scored a try as relegation rivals Stade Francais beat Bayonne. Stade Francais’ win leaves them one place and one point ahead of their Parisian rivals, Racing.

The team of the week was flooded with French internationals who were making their club returns after a triumphant Guinness Six Nations campaign in blue.