Racing's Farrell sidelined by groin surgery

Former England captain Owen Farrell will be out of action for "several weeks" after undergoing surgery for a groin injury, his club Racing 92 announced on Thursday.

Farrell, who played his last game for England in the third-place playoff at last year's World Cup, has struggled to adapt to life in the Top 14 despite starting eight of his side's nine matches.

In their last match against Pau, he was replaced after just 32 minutes.

The English flyhalf began the season by operating as the No 1 goalkicker but then gave way to others, notably scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec, with the club citing a thigh problem.

"The whole of the medical and sporting staff will accompany him (Farrell) throughout his recovery to ensure that he makes the best possible recuperation," Racing said in their statement.

After two weekends without a match, eighth-placed Racing return to action on 24 November with the Paris derby against Stade Francais.