Farrell turns down England rugby role

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."