Reports on Owen Farrell leave Mark McCall confused

Saracens boss Mark McCall has warned the club’s PREM Rugby rivals that Owen Farrell is “flying” in training and ready to prove the doubters wrong after his unhappy spell with Racing 92 and controversial call up as a replacement for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Farrell was flown out to join the Lions despite being short of rugby after an injury-hampered time in Paris but appeared in two Tests as a replacement and a big season for Sarries could earn him an England recall.

Despite his incredible rugby CV, Farrell knows he must prove that at 34 years old and after retiring on 112 England caps, he is still a major force in the PREM and McCall is backing his man to make a big impact, starting with the opening game at Newcastle Red Bulls.

McCall said: “Owen has been training for last five weeks and has been superb giving the younger players his time. Owen has been a phenomenal team-mate and has always been generous with his time with people and he has been that for such a long time.

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“Sometimes what is reported about Owen and what he is actually like are two different things. He has led from the front and has come back (from the Lions tour) with a smile on his face and is enjoying his rugby. He has been flying in training and he can play in both positions (fly-half and centre) at a high level.”

McCall, having suffered the agony of defeat at Kingston Park last season when lock Hugh Tizard was sent off late in the match, is well aware of the dangers lurking in this opening round in North East.

He added: “There is a feel good up there in Newcastle (after the Red Bull take over) and it’s great for the Premiership they have got involved. It seems they are a club on up with some smart signings over the summer. It is a real positive step for PREM Rugby that Red Bull have got involved with Newcastle.

“Steve (Diamond) always produces tough teams and there will be a big crowd and it will be hard but exciting as well. We are excited to show what we are about in this first game of the season.”

Sarries are without Elliot Daly, who is recovering from a broken arm suffered on the British and Irish Lions tour, while Maro Itoje is following the return to play protocols. Both will be absent the early rounds of the competition and McCall said: “Elliot is doing well but two or three weeks away from playing. Broken arms can be complicated and he has a plate in it as well and you want to make sure you don’t bring people back too soon and it’s the kind of injury you can still keep running with and his fitness is where it needs to be. When he gets the all clear from the consultant he will be able to start playing.”