According to RugbyPass, Saracens are on the verge of losing their giant back-rower, Theo McFarland, in the summer.
This would be a huge blow for the North London side, who have already confirmed the exit of number eight Tom Willis to Bordeaux-Begles. It has been suggested that McFarland will also be heading to France, but to the west coast after reportedly meeting with staff at La Rochelle about a potential deal.
The 30-year-old was a late starter in rugby, having previously focused on basketball, but due to his giant frame and natural abilities, he’s since racked up 76 appearances for Saracens. He also became the captain of Samoa, even leading them to their first victory over a Tier One team in nine years when they beat Italy in 2024.
The versatile forward could form a formidable lock partnership with Australian international Will Skelton at La Rochelle if the move does proceed.
However, it is more likely that he would settle in at blindside flanker as a direct replacement for Judicaël Cancoriet, who has recently agreed to join Toulon after running out his contract at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.
Can Saracens fill the gap?
While La Rochelle are set to become considerably heavier, Saracens could struggle to fill the 37-stone void left by McFarland and Willis combined.
England international George Martin is already set to arrive at the StoneX in the summer, who could be a straight positional replacement for McFarland, but there have been no suggestions as of yet for a departing Willis.
The good news for Saracens is that electric back-rower Ben Earl has reconfirmed his commitment to the club until 2029. Tomos Williams is also joining from Gloucester to bulk up the options at nine, which will provide South African Ivan van Zyl with some much-needed competition.
Saracens currently sit in sixth place in the Prem with four wins from their opening eight matches. Their 10 bonus points already set them well apart from the chasing pack, with seventh-place Sale sitting an uncomfortable eight points below them, whilst Saracens have the same number of points as Leicester Tigers, despite the latter achieving one more win.
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