Saracens have released a formal response to speculation that Andy Farrell had been offered €1.2 million per year to become the Director of Rugby after the 2027 World Cup.
The Andy Farrell claims
The Irish Independent reported that Andy Farrell had been offered over £1 million a year to take an important role at Saracens. This link came amidst speculation that David Humphreys and the IRFU would face a battle in the coming months to retain their head coach.
The Saracens statement
Saracens made it clear in their statement that no one within the club hierarchy had made contact with Farrell over the role. They also “categorically denied” that an offer had been made.
“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.”
They made reference to the links that the Ireland head-coach has with the club and how they look forward to seeing him supporting the club after the Six Nations.
Andy Farrell and the Saracens connection
Farrell’s past is highly linked to Saracens. Seeing him take up a role at the club in the future wouldn’t be a massive surprise. He made the move to rugby union in 2005, playing for Saracens 28 times between then and 2009. He also played alongside his son Owen. Farrell captained Saracens in his later years before starting his coaching career there.
He started his career in coaching as the skills coach. He became the first team coach after impressing in the role. It didn’t take him long to make his way onto the international scene. He was involved in the England and Lions setup.
Farrell became Ireland’s head coach after the 2019 World Cup. He had spells at Munster and in the Ireland setup as defence coach before this.
His son Owen has been a stalwart for Saracens. He has played alongside players like Maro Itoje as they have had unprecedented success in England and Europe. They had a forced relegation due to wage-cap irregularities.
