England star Owen Farrell signed a new five-year contract with European champions Saracens on Tuesday.

Farrell's decision to remain with Saracens until 2022 is a significant coup for Mark McCall's side.

The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Saracens' climb to the summit of English and European club rugby, playing major roles in three Premiership titles and two Champions Cup triumphs.

"It's an opportunity to hopefully grow with this group again for the next few years, to get better and improve on what we've already done," Farrell said.

Farrell, who has won 52 caps for England and four for the British and Irish Lions, first joined Saracens as a 14-year-old and has come through the academy that has also produced Maro Itoje, Jamie George and Mako Vunipola.

He has made 152 appearances for Saracens since making his debut in 2008.

"We've known each other for such a long time now. We're all best mates," Farrell said.

"To come through with them and be able to spend day in and day out with them, to share what we are doing, is the most important thing.

"This team's got a long way to go still. To see how far we can take it is exciting."

Farrell, an outstanding goalkicker who has developed his range of attacking skills, was a world player of the year nominee for 2016 and is viewed as the natural successor to Dylan Hartley as England captain.

Source: AFP