Owen Farrell: British and Irish Lions massive for me

Racing fell just short of the semi-finals last season, and are currently 10th in the early-season standings after three losses in their opening five games.

Farrell has started all five matches, but has allowed scrum-half Nolan Le Garrec to take many of the tactical decisions and, in recent matches, the goal-kicking duties.

“I don’t think anybody’s going to come in to a new club and be overpowering, speak too much,” said Farrell who admitted he was carrying a “little knock” which had limited his kicking.

“It’s been nice for me to find my way and listen a lot and get to understand what the club is about, and French rugby and French culture.

“We’ve a long way to go, a lot of potential and it’s about expanding that as quickly as possible.”

Farrell took a break from England duty for the duration of last year’s Six Nations to “prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being”.

“Not yet, I’ve only just got here!” said the 33-year-old, when asked if he was missing England.

“I’m enjoying how different it is, the French way of life, it’s nice.

“I’ve got a long way to go with the language. I’m enjoying trying to learn it but I still need to make a big effort.”

Andy Farrell and his Lions coaching staff will likely be watching more players than ever in France this season, with a host of potential Lions at Top 14 clubs.

England back row Jack Willis and Scotland back Blair Kinghorn ply their trade at champions Toulouse, while prop Kyle Sinckler has impressed at Toulon since his summer move from Bristol.

Scotland scrum-half Ben White is a team-mate of Sinckler’s at Toulon, while England wing Henry Arundell, like Farrell, opted for Paris and Racing.