Owen Farrell rubbished claims Saracens have little to play for on a domestic front after Mark McCall’s side eased past local rivals Harlequins at the weekend. 

Following Saracens’ 105-point deduction for persistent salary cap breaches - which has guaranteed relegation from the Premiership - there have been suggestions that their Champions Cup quarter-final with Leinster is the only competitive game remaining that the London side are focusing on. 

But Farrell insists that is not the case after his 18-point haul helped put Quins to the sword 38-24 at Allianz Park, in doing so denting their London rivals’ hopes of a top-four finish. 

“Everyone says the Leinster game is the only competitive rugby that we are going to play – that it’s the only game that really means anything – but that’s not the case,” said Farrell. 

“We have got to enjoy ourselves. We want to enjoy ourselves by getting stuck in together. 

“There are a few lads that signed deals to finish this season off and we want to make sure we do the end of this season properly. 

“We want to enjoy playing together and the only way that you do that is by giving your all. We are working hard to make sure we give 100 per cent.” 

Saturday’s game marked Farrell’s 200th for Saracens and his stellar performance from the tee was befitting of the occasion. 

The hosts raced into a 28-3 lead as Sean Maitland, Maro Itoje and Aled Davies all crossed. 

Harlequins fought back though, with Paul Lasike dotting down twice and Scott Steele crossing to leave them within seven points of Saracens and threatening a dramatic late comeback. 

However, Alex Lewington made sure of the win late on for Saracens – and McCall was full of praise for Farrell’s work in ensuring victory. 

“Owen’s contribution over the time he has been with us has been incredible,” McCall added.  

“He was outstanding again in this game.”