Disgraced 10 reportedly targeted to replace Owen Farrell decides future and West Country re-signings

One of the players linked with replacing Owen Farrell at Saracens has decided his future while Gloucester and Bath have secured the services of key players.

Earlier this week, Racing 92 announced the signing of Farrell on a two-year deal ahead of next season and multiple players have already been tipped to fill his void at Saracens.

Paddy Jackson

According to reports, Paddy Jackson was one of the players that Saracens were interested in adding to their squad, a move that would have been unpopular with the fans – Saracens reportedly denied the link via an official fan forum.

Jackson is currently plying his trade with Top 14 outfit Lyon, who he joined following the collapse of London Irish. The ex-Ireland international is an unpopular figure in the Premiership due to his past allegations of rape and sexual assault.

His contract with Lyon was coming to an end this season, which would have waved the way for him to join Saracens, but according to a report by L’Equipe, he has signed a contract extension with the Top 14 club.

The report states that he has signed a two-season extension with Lyon, keeping him at the club until 2026.

Val Rapava-Ruskin re-signs

Meanwhile, there was good news from the West Country clubs on Wednesday with Gloucester and Bath announcing that star players have extended their contracts.

The Cherry and Whites announced that highly-rated prop Val Rapava-Ruskin has renewed his contract with the side that has represented over 100 times.

“This is a very special place for me, you don’t stay somewhere for seven years if you don’t feel like it’s your home. It’s a sentimental feeling when I come here every day,” Rapava-Ruskin commented.

“I’d like to try and bring some silverware to this Club. For all the time and belief they’ve given to me, that’s the one thing I want to do whilst I’m here.

“I feel like I’m progressing here, and I still feel like I have much more to give this team.”

Bath extend Will Muir’s contract

As for Bath, they announced that Will Muir has signed a new contract to remain at the Premiership club until the summer of 2027, at least.

The 28-year-old’s current contract was due to expire at the end of the season but he has now put pen to paper on a three-year extension, the club confirmed.

“I am delighted to commit my future to the club and love being here. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a Bath Rugby player and I believe the journey we are on as a club is only going to get better with the players, coaches, and staff we have here,” Muir said.

“Running out at The Rec in front of our amazing fans is a special moment every time and nothing would make us more proud then to bring success back to them and the club.”

Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan added: “Will has had an amazing season up to date. His try-scoring ability, his finishing, his aerial skills, his work-rate on and off the ball, and his contact skills are just some of the reasons why we are keeping him at Bath.

“He is such a brilliant team man. The crowd loves him, but most importantly, I believe in him, and I trust in him, and I am so glad that ‘Horse’ is staying with Bath.”