Farrell Leads Saracens to Victory in Newcastle Red Bull Premier League Debut

English champions Bath began their Premiership title defence with a bonus-point 47-31 win at Harlequins. Owen Farrell made a high-profile second debut for Saracens at inside centre, kicking 12 points as Saracens spoiled Newcastle’s Red Bull-launch night and exposed the long road ahead for the newly backed club amid a 20-minute red card for visiting flanker Nathan Michelow. Farrell’s homecoming — arranged after an injury-dispensation and framed as part of a second squad rebuild — was celebrated inside the club (including a now-famous bus singalong) and positioned him as a senior leader and mentor for younger players. The rebranded Gallagher Premiership season kicked off under Thursday night lights, with Sale Sharks hosting Gloucester and teams mixing international experience with academy talent. Although some Lions stars will miss the opening rounds under player-welfare rules, Saracens director Mark McCall confirmed Farrell was available after five weeks’ training and could again be eligible for England selection.