Tigers' interest in Farrell fades

Farrell, the Wigan and Great Britain skipper, is in talks with the Rugby Football Union after being lined up to be part of the 2007 World Cup campaign.

But Johnson says Farrell will need time to adapt to the union game.

"If he wants to come to union then good luck to him but it is a brave decision," Johnson told BBC Five Live.

"Someone asked me the other day whether he is going to be the answer to England's leadership problems and I couldn't believe the question.

"He has not even played a game of rugby union as far as I'm aware.

"If he wants to come he has to develop into a rugby union player first and I'm sure he has the ability to do that.

"Then you look at going beyond that and seeing if he can play at international level."

Leicester, Saracens and Northampton have all been linked with Farrell but the Tigers have all but ruled out signing the 29-year-old.

I am sure he can bring something to the game Martin Johnson

The RFU will be hoping that Farrell makes the same impact at international level as Jason Robinson has since his move in 2000.

Robinson, who also played for Wigan, has racked up 39 caps for his country as well as earning a place on the British and Irish Lions tour in 2001.

"If you are a world-class player in one sport, to say I'm going to leave that and go play another one is very brave," added Johnson.

"Jason did it brilliantly well but some of the guys have not gone so well so we will see how it goes.

"If Andy wants to come to rugby union, fine, good luck to him and I hope it goes well for his sake and for the sake of rugby union.

"But I don't think you can plan your team for next year, two years, three years around a guy who is 29 years old coming from rugby league. It's not logical.

"I am sure he can bring something to the game. I have met him a couple of times and I think he is a top guy and a very down to earth, level-headed sort of bloke."