English Rugby
Farrell in surprise Sarries exit
ESPN Staff
June 1, 2012
Saracens head coach Andy Farrell barks the orders, Saracens v Harlequins, Aviva Premiership, Wembley, London, March 31, 2012
Andy Farrell has quit Saracens © Getty Images
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Andy Farrell has resigned from his role as Saracens head coach with reports suggesting he will take up a post within Stuart Lancaster's England coaching set-up.

Farrell quit his role at Saracens on Thursday evening with the club labelling his decision a "surprise". Farrell had turned down a job with England back in April after filling the role of backs coach on an interim basis during the 2012 Six Nations.

Farrell declared at the time that he was keen on seeing out his contract with Saracens but he has now made a remarkable u-turn. ESPNscrum understands that Farrell will not be allowed to take up another coaching role for six months due to the terms of his contract - unless Saracens agree to a compensation package.

Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said of Farrell's decision: "We are sorry to see Andy leave, and we wish him well in the future."

The club have not wasted any time in bolstering their coaching team with Kevin Sorrell stepping up to the take on the role of backs coach but it remains to be seen whether they will appoint a direct replacement for Farrell.

"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."

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