Saracens to tour South Africa with Owen Farrell in squad

English side Saracens will visit South Africa this September as part of their preseason preparations.

They will face the Sharks at Durban’s Kings Park on Friday, September 5, ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership campaign.

The squad includes fly-half Owen Farrell, who has rejoined Saracens from Racing 92 on a two-year deal. Farrell, 33, brings a wealth of experience, having previously won multiple Premiership and European titles with the club.

The tour isn’t just about rugby. Saracens have planned joint training sessions with the Sharks and off-field activities—like a beach BBQ, golf day, and safari—to build team morale.

They will also engage in community outreach, including a visit to the Zululand Rhino Orphanage and a kit donation drive.

The match gives both clubs a competitive test ahead of their domestic seasons. The Sharks will begin their URC campaign on September 26, while Saracens kick off their Premiership season the same day with an away fixture against Newcastle.

“As part of the tour, Saracens will focus on strength and conditioning alongside the Sharks as well as training and a fixture against the South African outfit,” said a statement.

“There will of course be a big emphasis on social capital, with plenty scheduled to bring the group together, including a safari, golf day and beach braai.

“There will also be a strong community focus, with a visit to Zululand Rhino Orphanage planned as well as a donation to a Kit Charity to give back to the local area.

“This tour demonstrates the ambition for both teams to be at the forefront of the sport, showcasing how they will move forward with engaging and industry-leading content.

“This fixture in Durban will also give supporters the chance to see teams from different hemispheres come together in preparation for the season ahead of their respective campaigns.”

Saracens squad:

Forwards: Tayo Adegbemile, Samson Adejimi, Harvey Beaton, Phil Brantingham, Rhys Carre, Alec Clarey, Eoghan Clarke, Theo Dan, Max Eke, James Hadfield, Reggie Hammick, Nick Isiekwe, Toby Knight, Nathan Michelow, Vilikesa Nairau, Andy Onyeama-Christie, Marco Riccioni, Olamide Sodeke, Marcus Street, Kennedy Sylvester, Hugh Tizard, Tietie Tuimauga, Charlie West, Tom Willis, Harry Wilson.

Backs: Charlie Bracken, Jack Bracken, Fergus Burke, Noah Caluori, Elliot Daly, Luke Davidson, Tobias Elliott, Owen Farrell, Angus Hall, Olly Hartley, Cam Hutchison, Brandon Jackson, Louie Johnson, Alex Lozowski, Max Malins, Rotimi Segun, Gareth Simpson, Sam Spink, Nick Tompkins, Ivan Van Zyl.