Saracens have rejected “disrespectful” reports that they have offered Ireland head coach Andy Farrell a coaching role for after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The club said “no offer has been made” after the Irish Independent reported that Farrell has been approached with a deal worth more than £1m per year to return to Sarries following next year’s tournament in Australia.
Brendan Venter will return to the director of rugby role at the Premiership club when long-serving Mark McCall steps down at the end of the season.
“Andy has not discussed his future with anyone on the board or ownership group of Saracens and we can categorically state, despite numerous reports to the contrary in the press, that no offer has been made to Andy,” the club statement read.
“The misguided reporting is disrespectful to Brendan Venter who will be assuming the DOR [director of rugby] responsibilities from Mark McCall at the end of the 25-26 season. It is also disrespectful to Andy and the IRFU.”
Farrell was a Saracens player between 2005 and 2009, also winning eight England caps, having switched to union after a long and successful career in rugby league with Wigan, during which he also captained Great Britain. After retiring as a player, he took his first steps into coaching with Saracens.
The 50-year-old – whose son Owen rejoined the Premiership outfit last summer after a season in France with Racing 92 – took over as Ireland head coach in 2019 from Joe Schmidt, stepping up from an assistant role he took up in 2016.
In 2023, he led Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam and the championship title the following year.
He then turned his attention to the British and Irish Lions, guiding them to a 2-1 series victory over Australia last year, before returning to the Ireland role.
“Given Andy’s close relationship with Saracens, the club looks forward to welcoming him to more home fixtures once the Six Nations Championship has concluded,” the Saracens statement concluded.