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England's Italian job in Rome just got even harder
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Saracens issue statement to address Farrell rumours
By Neil Fissler
Saracens have attempted to put distance between themselves and reports that they have lined up Ireland coach Andy Farrell for a £1 million-a-year return to the club after the World Cup in Australia next season.
Midi Olympique and the Irish Independent have both reported this week that Farrell could be heading back to North London late next year when his contract with the IRFU runs out.
It has been reported that IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys is set for a meeting with Farrell’s representatives this week to discover his plans beyond the World Cup.
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Farrell, who led the Lions to victory over Australia in the summer, has been tipped to take charge of them again in New Zealand in 2029, where they have only won one series back in 1971.
The former Premiership and European champions say that the reports linking Farrell to the club are disrespectful to technical adviser Brendan Venter, who replaces Mark McCall when he stands down in the summer.
The statement from the club says: “Saracens would like to address recent media speculation linking Andy Farrell with a coaching role at the club. Andy has not discussed his future with anyone on the board or ownership group of Saracens and we can categorically state, despite numerous reports to the contrary in the press, that no offer has been made to Andy.
“Andy has long-standing and deep personal ties to Saracens. He represented the club as a player between 2005 and 2009 and remains closely affiliated with the club through his family, as the father of Owen Farrell, one of the most significant players in Saracens’ history and a current member of the squad.
“The misguided reporting is disrespectful to Brendan Venter, who will be assuming the DOR responsibilities from Mark McCall at the end of the 25/26 season. It is also disrespectful to Andy and the IRFU.
“Given Andy’s close relationship with Saracens, the club looks forward to welcoming him to more home fixtures once the Six Nations Championship has concluded.”
