Owen Farrell set for first Saracens appearance since shock decision to step down from England duty… with fly-half primed for daunting clash against the Bulls in South Africa

Owen Farrell will return to Saracens action on Saturday for his first appearance after his club said the England captain had decided to retire from Test duty.

The 32-year-old midfielder will not take part in the Six Nations – and may never represent his country again – after deciding to prioritize the “mental well-being of himself and his family”.

However, he will continue to play for the Premier League champions and after missing last weekend’s home defeat to Northampton with a minor injury, Farrell has been cleared to return to the heights on the other side of the equator.

Saracens will have their captain back for the opening match of the Champions Cup against South Africa’s Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

“Owen is available and will play this weekend,” director of rugby Mark McCall said. “He’s been fully trained over the last two days.”

Owen Farrell is set to make his first appearance since his decision to retire from Test rugby.

Asked if he thought Farrell would benefit from having his England decision made and made public and allowing him to focus solely on club rugby, McCall added: “That’s a very simplistic way of looking at it. I wouldn’t dare assume anything. I’m a little embarrassed to talk too much about something really personal, so I’d rather not talk too much.”

Farrell’s return is a boost for Saracens as they prepare for a tough task against a Bulls side who sit third in the United Rugby Championship and are armed with several World Cup-winning Springboks.

“Owen played many, many important games for the club in Europe,” McCall said. “He is our captain and he is respected by everyone at our club; staff and players.”

Meanwhile, Sale expects Manu Tuilagi to be ready for the home clash with Stade Francais on Sunday as the England center recovers from a broken hand suffered in the closing stages of the World Cup.

“Manu is up for selection,” Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said. Tuilagi is preparing to make his first appearance in the club season.

Premiership leaders Sale have opened talks with their veteran Anglo-Samoan midfielder over a deal for next season after this.

Sanderson explained that he was keen to retain Tuilagi’s services and was appealing to his taste buds as part of his bid to reach an agreement.

“When he returned from the World Cup, I asked: “How are you feeling?” Do you think you have another year?’” he said.

Saracens coach Mark McCall has confirmed Farrell is ready for the Champions Cup opener.

“Manu said, ‘Well, I’ll go back to the field, then we’ll have another steak.’ So let’s talk about it over a glass of wine.

“I have an agreement with the strikers for hat-tricks and today I made a similar deal with Manu, with bottles of wine (as a prize). I don’t know if this is the right thing to do, but it definitely motivates him! It’s about big hits and bringing energy. If he can outsmart George Ford, I’ll buy him a nice bottle of red wine this weekend.

“He’s more energetic and more enthusiastic than most of the 19- and 20-year-olds we see here. His desire to play in this Champions Cup – after the World Cup – is truly amazing because drive always comes first.

“He likes it. He likes to play, he likes to be there – and he probably likes his time away from home because he has a new baby, so he gets a little break! He was jumping up and down today; pats you on the back, gives you high fives and just looks like a guy 10 years younger than he really is.”