Farrell turns down England rugby role

Thu, Apr 12, 2012, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Andy Farrell has turned down the opportunity to join new England rugby union coach Stuart Lancaster's backroom staff.

Farrell, currently the head coach of Saracens, had proved a big hit working with Lancaster and Graham Rowntree during the Six Nations - with England defying the odds to finish as runners-up after registering wins over Scotland, Italy, France and Wales.

However, the secondment was never meant to be permanent - and although Lancaster has been appointed head coach on a fulltime basis, Farrell will remain at Saracens.

Farrell told the club's official site: "It has been a special privilege for me to be involved in the Saracens coaching staff for the past two-and-half seasons.

"We have made decent progress during this period but, in truth, as a club, we have barely scratched the surface of our potential.

"The job isn't anywhere near half done, and I have decided I want to help finish the job."

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