Saracens have denied having talks with Ireland head coach Andy Farrell over a return to the club after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
A report in the Irish Independent suggested that Farrell had been offered a deal worth more than £1m a year to take charge of the Prem Rugby side following next year’s tournament.
The dual-code international started his coaching journey in North London having concluded his playing career at Saracens, and remains a popular figure at the club, where his son Owen re-signed last summer.
Mark McCall, the long-serving Saracens director of rugby, will step down from the role at the end of the season, with his predecessor Brendan Venter brought back to take on the role for a second time.
Reports have suggested that Farrell would then be lined up to take over following the World Cup in Australia, but Saracens have “categorically” said that no offer has been made.
“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,” Saracens said in a statement.
“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.”
Farrell has led Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a grand slam in 2023, and oversaw the 2-1 British and Irish Lions series success in Australia last summer.
