Sarries confirm RFU's Farrell offer

Saracens confirmed Friday that talks with the Rugby Football Union were under way concerning the future of assistant England coach Andy Farrell.

Farrell was initially due to return to his Saracens coaching duties after assisting interim coach Stuart Lancaster and Graham Rowntree during England’s Six Nations campaign.

However, following Lancaster’s permanent appointment to the head coach job, speculation has mounted that the RFU will seek to lure Farrell from Saracens in an effort to keep the England back-room team together.

Saracens were reportedly opposed to any attempt to woo Farrell, but confirmed in a statement on Friday that discussions had begun.

“Saracens and the RFU today [Friday] started cordial and constructive discussions on the subject of support staff for newly-appointed England coach Stuart Lancaster,” a club statement said.

“The club will not provide a running commentary on this process and will make no further comment until the deliberations reach a conclusion.”

Lancaster has been handed a contract which encompasses the 2015 World Cup and Rowntree is also expected to be offered a similar deal.

AFP