Saracens extend post-Six Nations invite to Andy Farrell after slamming ‘disrespectful’ rumours
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and an inset of him and Owen Farrell at Saracens.
Saracens have issued a statement addressing speculation around Ireland head coach Andy Farrell.
Reports over the weekend from France stated that the Ireland boss would be returning to England after the Rugby World Cup to take over as the team’s director of rugby from Brendan Venter.
Current boss Mark McCall will relinquish control of the team at the end of the season, moving into an advisory role with Venter reclaiming the position he held between 2009 and 2011.
However, the speculation in France stated that it would only be a one-season gig for the former Springboks back as the PREM Rugby club had come to an agreement with Farrell, who would be returning to the team that he represented after making the switch from rugby league.
Saracens address Andy Farrell rumours
On Thursday, the Irish Independent stated that reports that Farrell had signed a deal with Saracens were ‘premature’ but added that the English side had tabled an offer in the region of £1 million a season.
It further claimed that IRFU performance director David Humphreys scheduled a meeting with Farrell’s representatives this week to address his future plans.
Ireland are understood to be keen on extending the head coach’s contract which expires after the 2027 World Cup in Australia but would not be willing to match Sarries’ reported offer, the report added.
Saracens have now responded to the speculation around Farrell’s future, stating that they are ‘disrespectful to Brendan Venter’ and claim that no offer has been tabled to the Ireland boss.
“Saracens would like to address recent media speculation linking Andy Farrell with a coaching role at the club,” the statement read.
“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.”
Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust.
