Owen Farrell set to return for Racing 92 against Stormers

Former England captain Owen Farrell is set to make his much-anticipated return from injury this weekend as Racing 92 take on the Stormers in Paris.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster confirmed the fly-half's availability, offering a boost to the French side ahead of a must-win Champions Cup clash.

Farrell, who has been sidelined since mid-November following a groin operation, has resumed full training and is ready to start the game.

"He trained well today. He’s confident of being able to start the game," Lancaster said. However, the coach indicated that Farrell might not play the full 80 minutes as he continues his recovery.

The 112-cap veteran last represented England during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he played in the third-place playoff. Despite featuring in eight of Racing 92's first nine Top 14 games before his surgery, Farrell is yet to make a significant impact in his debut season in the French capital.

Racing 92 faces a crucial encounter against the Cape Town-based Stormers as they sit at the bottom of Champions Cup Pool 4 with just four points. The team needs a victory on Saturday, coupled with favorable results from the other pool matches, to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

In addition to Farrell, Racing welcomes back key players, including halfback Nolann Le Garrec, Wales lock Will Rowlands, flanker Cameron Woki, and prop Hassane Kolingar. This bolstered lineup provides a timely boost as the team looks to turn their European campaign around.