Farrell completes move back to England set-up

Published on 29/06/2012 00:00

Andy Farrell has completed his England U-turn by agreeing a deal to re-join Stuart Lancaster’s coaching team until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Farrell was part of the interim coaching set-up, with Lancaster and Graham Rowntree, which guided England from the wreckage of their World Cup campaign to second place in the RBS 6 Nations championship.

Lancaster wanted to make the appointment permanent once he got the full-time job, but Farrell initially decided his coaching future lay with Saracens, where he still had two years left on his contract.

But Farrell had a change of heart at the end of the Aviva Premiership season and resigned as Saracens head coach.

With England’s South Africa tour now out of the way, the RFU confirmed Farrell had agreed a deal to coach England’s backs and defence through to 31 January, 2016.

“I loved every minute of coaching England and working with Stuart and Graham Rowntree and this group of players in the Six Nations and to get the opportunity to do it permanently is a dream,” Farrell said.

“I have watched England in South Africa and I am massively excited about the potential that was clearly evident in the three Tests and midweek matches.

“I had seven very special years with Saracens and the club will always have a fond place in my heart.”

Saracens have agreed not to hold Farrell to his contracted six-month notice period.

“I am delighted that we have got Andy on board. He is a special coach and the way this team has developed is a testament to the foundations that we laid in the Six Nations,” Lancaster said.

“I will continue to review the make-up of the coaching team over the next few weeks to ensure that England has the best structure and personnel.”

Farrell will take up his post on 2 July, three days before England name their elite squad for the new season.