By Glen Williams

Copyright walesonline

Owen Farrell has been hailed for his impact both on and off the pitch since returning to Saracens – with one team-mate revealing the England great has been showing off a surprising hidden talent. Farrell, who left Racing 92 after a brief and turbulent stint in France, is back in north London and already making his mark. The former England captain has been spotted spending extra time with younger players on the training field, mentoring the likes of Louie Johnson and Fergus Burke. But it is his unexpected ability to belt out a tune that has left those around him stunned. “At no point did I think Owen would be as good at singing as he is,” Burke told The Times , speaking about Farrell’s re-initiation song —Lean on Me by Bill Withers— which he performed on a bus in Durban, South Africa. “I remember thinking, ‘Jeez, I wish I could sing like that!’” Farrell’s influence is also being felt in Saracens’ rugby. Dai Flanagan, the Welshman appointed as the club’s new attack coach, has already put his stamp on the team’s style – with Burke revealing fans will notice a fresh, more ambitious approach. Burke, who arrived a year ago to fill the void Farrell left, admits he could have been unsettled by his return. Instead, he says playing alongside the 34-year-old has been “instrumental” in helping him develop. “We’ve trained well together so far but the big battle is putting it out on the pitch,” Burke added. “He drives standards so hard, but he also makes my job easier. I can play with a bit more freedom. “I didn’t know him before we met in South Africa, but he’s such a good voice and such a good rugby player. “We’ve got similar views on the game, and Dai [Flanagan] has been awesome too. I think you’ll see a little bit of a different Saracens, especially in attack.” The Scottish international compared Farrell’s influence to learning from All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga during his time in New Zealand. “I’ve been lucky to play behind Richie, and now to have Owen helping me too – they’re two pretty decent players to learn off.” Farrell’s return to Saracens comes after a tough spell away from English rugby. He stepped back from the international game following the 2023 World Cup, citing the strain of relentless scrutiny on his mental health and family. His move to Racing never truly clicked, but it gave him valuable time to reset. Now, after a successful comeback with the British & Irish Lions this summer, Farrell looks rejuvenated. “He’s got a smile on his face and he’s flying in training,” said Saracens boss Mark McCall. “You can see the joy in his rugby again.” Eddie Jones, who made Farrell England captain, added: “For such a competitor to feel his own fans weren’t behind him at the World Cup would have hurt. “To get back and make a contribution with the Lions was huge for him.” Whether Farrell dons the Red Rose jersey again remains to be seen. Steve Borthwick has younger options in George Ford, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith, but Farrell’s pedigree means the door is unlikely to ever be fully closed.