England seek Farrell consensus

England will stage further confidential discussions with Saracens in an attempt to thrash out Andy Farrell's rugby union position.

While Farrell continues a difficult transition to the 15-man game, club and country seemingly cannot agree on where he should be playing. England's coaching staff have clearly identified him as an inside centre, yet the former Great Britain rugby league captain has so far featured at blindside flanker during limited appearances for Saracens.

"Discussions are taking place with Saracens, and it would be wrong for me to disclose those discussions," said England head coach Andy Robinson. "For a player of Andy's quality, I think the key thing is for him to have the ball in his hands. We have got to look at what is the best position for him to achieve that."

Farrell spent two days with Robinson's elite squad at Loughborough University this week before returning to club duties, but the chances of any appearance during England's four-Test schedule next month is remote.

Some critics are already writing off Farrell's six-figure code switch, and there are even rumours of a possible return to Super League next year, but Robinson has pleaded for patience.

"I am not doubting what Andy Farrell can do," he added.

"What I would say is give him time to develop and make judgements in three months, not after two games.

"It is important that Andy has time on the pitch, and he has got to get that time with his team-mates. He is going to be judged for England by how he performs for Saracens."

Injury-hit Farrell's union experience has been restricted to one Anglo-Welsh cup outing, a brief Guinness Premiership substitute appearance and a couple of run-outs in the second-team Guinness A League.