Andy Farrell leaves the Saracens – Rugby News Update
Andy Farrell, the 37-year-old former England centre and the now former head coach of the Saracens has resigned from his post, a decision the club has called surprising.
After the disastrous 2011 Rugby World Cup, Farrell became part of Stuart Lancaster’s interim set-up. He was offered the job on a fulltime basis by Lancaster, but he refused the position, indicating that he was keen to see out his contract with the Saracens.
Farrell was one of the most high profile players to switch codes from the rugby league to the union, and he represented the Saracens in the Premiership. Prior to that, Andy played for Wigan while becoming their youngest captain at age 21. He won five championships
and four Challenge Cups before switching codes.
The club is keen to quickly replace the outgoing coach and have appointed Kevin Sorrell, who will work as a backs coach.
“Kevin is making a swift and successful transition from outstanding player to outstanding coach," Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said. "He is Saracens through and through, and we are delighted he has agreed to take up this important post."
It is a surprise decision by Farrell because in April he was singing a different tune.
"It has been a special privilege for me to be involved in the Saracens coaching staff for the past two-and-half seasons," Farrell said. "We have made decent progress during this period but, in truth, as a club, we have barely scratched the surface of our
potential.”
Following his resignation it is rumoured that the former centre will take up a coaching position with England. It is a remarkable u-turn by the man.
Saracens' chairman, Nigel Wray, said, “We are sorry to see Andy leave, and we wish him well in the future."
Farrell made his England debut against Scotland at Twickenham, on February 3, 2007. He only played 8 games for his country, and his last international match came against Tonga at Parc des Princes, on September 28, 2007.
It will be interesting to see what will be his next move but one thing is certain, the Saracens will miss him at the club.
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