The Rugby Football Union and Wigan have confirmed that talks are taking place with rugby league star Andy Farrell over a possible code switch. The Great Britain and Wigan skipper has been targeted by the RFU to be part of England's 2007 World Cup plans.
"The RFU and Wigan can confirm that discussions are taking place," said a joint statement.
"Wigan are currently discussing the matter with Andy and no time frame can be given for talks to be concluded."
Both parties said no agreement has yet been reached and dismissed rumours that Wigan's Kris Radlinski was also a target for the 15-man game. "The RFU and Wigan can confirm that Andrew Farrell is the only player under discussion," continued the statement.
"Although the talks have not been concluded and an agreement has not been reached, discussions are continuing and all parties feel it is now the appropriate time to respond to the speculation surrounding them.
"Any agreement will be subject to the approval of the two boards, Andrew Farrell, Premier Rugby Ltd and a Zurich Premiership club to contract the player with the RFU."
Farrell has been one of league's most decorated players and an ever-present in the Great Britain side since 1993.
But, at 29, the lure of a new challenge may be too tempting to turn down.
The RFU is said to be very confident he will accept an offer believed to be in excess of �200,000 a year.
And RFL chief executive Richard Lewis told BBC Radio Four that Farrell would be missed should he opt to make the switch.
"He has been a wonderful servant to rugby league and if he choses to switch then everybody would wish him the best of luck - he's earned that right," said Lewis.
"I'd be the first to say that I hope he stays in rugby league, because we enjoy watching him play for Wigan and we enjoy watching him play for Great Britain.
"But if he goes, then life will go on and rugby league will continue to go from strength to strength."
Farrell's qualities as a leader in the pack are what have made him a strong target for England rugby union coach Andy Robinson, a self-confessed admirer of league.
But his signing would still represent a significant gamble for the RFU, who will place Farrell with a Zurich Premiership club.
He has been linked with Sale, but the club have dismissed the reports as "unfounded nonsense".
Farrell will be 32 by the time of the next Rugby World Cup in France, and a signing fee, along with his wages, would make it a �1m gamble for a player who has never played union.
Jason Robinson, the current England rugby union captain, made his move from league to union in 2000 and has been followed most notably by Henry Paul and Iestyn Harris.
Farrell is likely to remain on the sidelines for several months after undergoing knee surgery.
But he is expected to return for Wigan this season, before switching at the end of the campaign. That means he is unlikely to play for Great Britain again.
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If Farrell goes, then life will go on and rugby league will continue to go from strength to strength
