Investec Champions Cup: Owen Farrell back as Saracens face Bulls

Owen Farrell has played three Premiership games since the World Cup

Owen Farrell returns to captain Saracens in their Investec Champions Cup game against Bulls on Saturday.

The England captain, 32, announced last week that he would be unavailable for the 2024 Six Nations as he cared for his and his family's mental wellbeing.

He missed last Saturday's 18-12 defeat by Northampton because of a knee issue.

"He's our captain, he's our leader, he is someone who is respected by everyone at the club," director of rugby Mark McCall told BBC Radio London.

"To have him on the field is an enormous benefit but, not just to have him on the field, to have him in the team room and the meetings.

"His contribution is so enormous and its great to have him here with us."

The 32-year-old is one of six changes by Mark McCall following the defeat by Northampton as he replaces Manu Vunipola at fly-half.

Centre Elliot Daly returns to the side for Argentina's Lucio Cinti, who drops to the bench. Prop Mako Vunipola and England hooker Jamie George also return to the starting XV.

Saracens, who last won the competition in 2019, reached the quarter-finals of Europe last season before losing to eventual champions La Rochelle.

South African side Bulls are third in the United Rugby Championship having beaten Connacht and Sharks convincingly in their last two games.

Jake White's side includes full-back Willie le Roux and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, who both played in the World Cup final win for South Africa over New Zealand.

"We've been really impressed with what we've seen, especially in their last couple of fixtures," McCall added.

"They are strong in all areas, a big pack of forwards, some really good players and some very experienced players.

"Games don't come much bigger but its a challenge that usually brings the best out of this group of players."

Three-time Champions Cup winners Saracens will also face Connacht, Bordeaux Begles and Lyon in their pool.

Line-ups

Bulls: Le Roux; Arendse, Gans, Kriel, Moodie; Goosen, Papier; Steenekamp, Van der Merwe, W Louw, Swanepoel, Ludwig, Van Staden, E Louw (capt), Hanekom.

Replacements: Wessels, Matanzima, Smith, Slabbert, Coetzee, Burger, Van der Walt, Petersen.

Saracens: Goode; Lewington, Daly, Tompkins, Maitland; Farrell (capt), Van Zyl; Ma Vunipola, George, Clarey, Itoje, Tizard, Gonzalez, Christie, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Dan, West, Judge, McFarland, Knight, Davies, Hartley, Cinti.