Back injury rules Farrell out

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell will miss the start of the Premiership season with a back problem sustained during the pre-season.

"Owen has a little bit of a back niggle, but it's nothing serious. We'll have to see how it is at the start of next week," said Director of Rugy, Mark McCall.

"It isn't related to the England tour, it's something that has been picked up in the last five weeks. We don't expect him to miss too much though."

The 24-year-old will sit out at least the Premiership opener against Worcester on September 3 and possibly additional matches.