Andy Farrell resumes England role after leaving Saracens

Andy Farrell has completed his England U-turn by agreeing a deal to re-join England head coach Stuart Lancaster's set-up until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Farrell was part of the interim coaching team, with Lancaster and Graham Rowntree, which guided England to second place in this year's Six Nations Championship.

Lancaster wanted to make the appointment permanent once he got the full-time job but Farrell initially decided to stay at Saracens, where he still had two years left on a contract.

But Farrell had a change of heart at the end of the Premiership season and resigned from his position as Saracens head coach, opening the way for his return to the England fold.

With England's South Africa tour now out of the way, the Rugby Football Union yesterday confirmed Farrell had agreed a deal to coach England's backs and defence through to 31 January 2016.

"I loved every minute of coaching England and working with Stuart and Graham Rowntree and this group of players in the Six Nations and to get the opportunity to do it permanently is a dream," Farrell said.

"I have watched England in South Africa and I am massively excited about the potential that was clearly evident in the three Tests and midweek matches.

"I had seven very special years with Saracens and the club will always have a fond place in my heart."

When Farrell initially turned England down, Lancaster flew to Durban to meet with New Zealand's World Cup-winning coach Wayne Smith only to be knocked back for a second time.

Mike Catt was appointed in a temporary coaching role for the summer tour and could still be added to an expanded senior management group.