Farrell has made a slow start to his rugby union career

Many experienced judges have suggested that the former Great Britain rugby league captain's best position in union would be inside centre.

But Gaffney insisted: "I still think Andy's best position is at six.

"Everyone's suggesting he plays 12, but his running lines at present... He has a trait where he runs across field - it is probably the worst trait for a 12."

And Gaffney claimed that England coach Andy Robinson had come round to his way of thinking.

"They (the Rugby Football Union) originally acquired Andy as a 12, but Andy Robinson has changed his mind and at the moment he is happy to go down the route of six.

When you play (number) six you have to do your job before you can get into the game and unfortunately we didn't get past two phases Andy Farrell

"He (Farrell) knows a lot of the areas where he has to improve, but some of the things he is doing now are fine.

"He can step into first receiver and has the ability to transfer the ball and kick well off his left foot. Those are things he can still do at six. We are trying to break the traditional six mould."

Farrell has had a frustrating introduction to the 15-man code since moving across last year.

He missed the whole of last season due to injury and his union career has so far been limited to two Guinness A League games, an EDF Cup match and 16 minutes as a Premiership substitute this term.

"He is still a way off and he has some learning to do, but he will get better the more games he plays," said Gaffney.

"His desire is still to learn, and I don't think it will be long before we see a dramatic change. It is part of the learning curve at present."

Saracens were handed a 36-24 defeat by London Irish in the EDF Cup on Saturday and Farrell admitted he found it a frustrating experience.

"I am disappointed to be involved in a performance like that. I feel gutted, but I've got to take responsibility," he said.

"I found it hard to get into the game. Everybody finds it hard to get into the game when it is so disjointed.

"When you play (number) six you have to do your job before you can get into the game and unfortunately we didn't get past two phases.