Farrell to take Saracens pay cut

Saracens are this morning expected to announce that Andy Farrell is to see out the remainder of his career with the club after agreeing a two-year deal.

But the former Great Britain rugby league captain, who switched codes in March 2005, is certain to have taken a pay cut. When he crossed the divide it was reputedly for more than 200,000 per year, payment of which was shared between Saracens and the Rugby Football Union.

But Farrell, who has won eight England caps, is now three years older and is not certain of being included in England's 32-man Six Nations training squad to be announced tomorrow.

Saracens are also expected to announce that they have offered Farrell's son Owen a three-year academy deal at the club.

Alan Gaffney, who has been responsible for coaching Farrell, but is to take a part-time post with the Watford-based club at the end of the season, is being linked with a part-time post with the Ireland team.

Another Premiership coach looking to divide his workload is Wasps' Shaun Edwards. The Welsh Rugby Union yesterday said an official approach had been made to Wasps for him to become part-time assistant to Warren Gatland.