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January 8, 2010

Posted on 01/08/2010

Farrell flying up the coaching ladder

Farrell only called time on his playing career at the end of last season © Getty Images

"Andy Farrell will coach at a very, very high level."

Saracens boss Brendan Venter predicted a bright coaching future for his assistant Andy Farrell on these very page a few short months ago and so emphatic were his words that you were left in no doubt of his sincerity.

And it appears Farrell's speedy ascent up the coaching ranks is well underway. The dual code international has joined England Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster's backroom team for their forthcoming clashes with Ireland 'A' and Italy 'A'.

"His knowledge, not just of the game, but about people and how to get the best out of them is second to none."

Farrell, who won 34 caps for Great Britain rugby league side and eight caps for England in the 15-man code, had a formidable reputation as a rugged and skillful player and went an incredible eight years without missing a game at one stage. And you don't play to the standard he did, in both codes, without amassing a wealth of knowledge about the game and the people who play it. It is that wisdom that Venter, and now the Saxons, are keen to draw on but crucially it is his ability to impart that knowledge that is arguably more important.

Next stop the England coaching team before Rugby World Cup 2011 - watch this space.

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