Farrell has had a difficult time since his switch from rugby league

Farrell, 31, was signed from Wigan Warriors 19 months ago as a potential inside centre in a deal jointly funded between the RFU and Saracens.

After recovering from injuries, he is now being played at blind-side flanker.

"We have become more business-like about our policy for code switchers," said RFU chief executive Francis Baron.

Interview: RFU chief executive Francis Baron

The RFU have defended their decision to sign Farrell but admit they have learned some important lessons.

"We have got to be clearer as to how we see the role of the player, where he is going to play, where is he is going to fit into the England set-up," said Baron.

We view our investment on Andy as being an important long-term development RFU chief executive Francis Baron

"Some of the players who have switched codes have been recruited on the basis they are great players in league and we will find somewhere for them to play in union.

"We have learned we need to be a lot clearer in our analysis up front as to where the player in question would best fit into union.

"Before the next Andy Farrell comes through we need to make sure we have dealt with all the issues up front so we don't do it after the code switch happens.

"We view our investment on Andy as being an important long-term development. We have lost a year and a half but we are going to stick with it."

Baron also confirmed that England coach Andy Robinson is under no pressure to select Farrell.

"Andy Robinson sees it as important to expose Farrell to the England set-up as part of his induction process," said Baron.

"Andy Farrell is one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. Andy Robinson has always been very clear where he sees Andy Farrell playing.

"I express a personal confidence that Andy is going to come through. Everyone I have talked to has been massively impressed by his determination to make it."