Saracens announce second fly-half signing to fill Owen Farrell void
Saracens have recruited another playmaker to fill Owen Farrell's void.
Saracens have moved to sign a second fly-half ahead of Owen Farrell’s departure from the Premiership club.
The club announced on Thursday that Newcastle Falcons star Louie Johnson will make the switch to StoneX Stadium next season, a player director of rugby Mark McCall believes has “considerable promise”.
The confirmation of Johnson’s arrival comes off the back of the club announcing that Crusaders back Fergus Burke would link up with the side next summer.
Louie Johnson to join Saracens
20-year-old Johnson made his debut for the Falcons in March 2022 and quickly settled into life in the Premiership, slotting a match-winning conversion in the final play of the game against Leicester Tigers.
Having come through the Falcons’ academy, he has made 16 first-team appearances for Newcastle, scoring one try and represented England at U20s level last year, starting the World Championship semi-final against France.
“Louie has shown considerable promise so early in his career and we were very impressed with the maturity with which he handled his exposure to both Premiership and European competition,” McCall said of his new signing.
“We are confident that we can help him fulfil his clear potential in the years to come.”
The playmaker, who can also play full-back, added: “I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be joining such a prestigious club. Saracens is full of world-class players and coaches, and I can’t wait to learn from them.”
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Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons chairman Matt Thompson said that they hoped to retain the fly-half’s services but that they respected his decision.
“I would like to thank Louie for his contribution during his time with us and wish him all the best for his move down to London,” he said.
“He was made a good offer to remain with us, but ultimately we have to respect his decision.
“We will continue the positive work going on behind the scenes here with regards to our own recruitment and retention for next season and beyond, and will make announcements in due course.”
Johnson adds to Saracens’ fly-half depth ahead of the new season, with Manu Vunipola reportedly set to join Farrell in departing the club next season and while the latter is heading to Racing 92, it is not yet clear where the former will go.
Newcastle prop Phil Brantingham will also join Johnson at Saracens next season as will Wales prop Rhys Carre, who marks his return to the Londoners after four years at Cardiff.
