 Farrell is once more the centre of attention at Saracens |
Andy Farrell is set to play at blind-side flanker for Saracens this season, ending intense speculation over which position he will play. The former Great Britain rugby league captain has not played since switching codes last year because of injury.
Inside centre and the back-row had both been suggested but Saracens boss Alan Gaffney has now ended the speculation.
"At this point in time, I see Andy of benefit to both Saracens and England in the number six shirt," said Gaffney.
"There is no doubt that he could play 12 and do a good job there.
"But I believe, although some people may think it will take a while longer to learn some of the more technical aspects of the game, that number six is an ideal position that would suit a player with his abilities, power and skill."
Speaking to the club's website, Gaffney added: "These are obviously my thoughts, but I have spoken to (England coach) Andy Robinson about it and I don't think he's too far away from where I'm headed."
 |  He is thirsting for knowledge and I think he is going to bring enormous things to English rugby |
After 16 months of injury hell Farrell, 31, is back in full training and could be ready to play for Saracens when their league campaign gets under way against London Wasps on 2 September.
"At this point we are hoping he will be ready for the first league game, and he is still on track for that," Gaffney told BBC London.
"If it is put back a week, or two weeks, so be it, but that is the target at the moment."
And Gaffney could not speak highly enough of Farrell's qualities both on and off the pitch.
"Coming from Australia and watching a lot of rugby league, I knew Andy has been one of the greats of the game for the last 10 years," said Gaffney.
"Just to be involved with him is a pleasure. He is a fantastic guy and a delight to work with.
"He is thirsting for knowledge and I think he is going to bring enormous things to English rugby."
Saracens have been further boosted by the news that England World Cup-winning flanker Richard Hill is set to return in October after missing last season through injury.
"Richard is on track at this point in time," said Gaffney.
"He's running and in the past when he's started to do that is when the problems have occurred, but he's pain free and progressing well and we hope to see him returning in October."
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