Theo McFarland future at Saracens in serious jeopardy

Saracens are battling to keep Theo McFarland in North London next season after he has met with La Rochelle about a transfer to the Top 14 when his contract with the former Gallagher PREM and European Champions ends this summer.

McFarland, 30, who stands at 6’6 and weighs 18 stone, has made 76 appearances for Sarries since he burst upon the scene in 2021 after a spell with the Dallas Jackals in America.

He can play blindside flanker and lock, and scored two tries in the 30-21 win over struggling Gloucester at Kingsholm last weekend and was a member of the Samoan squad at the 2023 World Cup in France.

The former international basketball player could follow Tom Willis out of the club, with the England No. 8 returning to
Bordeaux, where he had a spell after Wasps went out of business in 2022.

Saracens have been very active in the transfer market over the last few weeks after announcing the signings of England international George Martin from Leicester Tigers and Wales and Lions scrum-half Tomos Williams from Gloucester.

Losing McFarland would be a massive blow to Saracens, who are sixth in the PREM Rugby table, seven points behind leaders Northampton Saints and three behind fourth-placed Bristol Bears in the last play-off spot.

McFarland, who had trials in Japan for the Panasonic Wild Knights before moving to the United States, could join another former Saracens star, Will Skelton, at the Top 14 outfit next season.

Wallaby lock Skelton made the move from London to the seaport on the Bay of Biscay six years ago, helping them win back-to-back European Cup crowns in 2022 and 2023 after finishing runners-up in 2021.

Ronan O’Gara’s side shipped 60 points to an Antoine Dupont-inspired Toulouse last weekend and are tenth in the Top 14 table this season with 31 points from their 13 games, but are only three points behind third-place Stade Francais.