England's Farrell extends Saracens deal

Wednesday, 22 February 2012 21:48

LONDON: England centre Owen Farrell has signed a contract extension with Saracens, the Premiership champions said Wednesday.

The 20-year-old nailed down a place in Saracens' first team last season and, as a fly-half, steered his side to their first league title with victory over Leicester in the English Premiership final at Twickenham.

Farrell made his England debut, as an inside centre, in the Six Nations win away to Scotland earlier this month and his excellent place-kicking display then helped England beat Italy 19-15 in Rome.

Now he is set to be named in the team to play Wales at Twickenham this weekend when acting coach Stuart Lancaster announces his side on Thursday.

"Owen obviously has a wonderfully exciting future in the game, at club and international level, and we are delighted he has pledged his future to Saracens," said Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall.

Sarries have also agreed an extended deal with England lock Mouritz Botha.

The second row moved to England from South Africa in 2004 and signed for Saracens in 2009 after impressing at Bedford and has started both of England's Six Nations matches so far this season.

McCall said: "Mouritz's progress over the past few years has been fantastic and we genuinely believe the best is yet to come."