Farrell union switch imminent
By Chris Jones, Evening Standard
11 March 2005
English rugby chiefs have agreed terms with Wigan for the sale of Andy Farrell, the Great Britain rugby league captain, making his switch to union likely within days.
Farrell underwent a medical yesterday on the knee injury that will keep him out of rugby until May and the agreement will be subject to a further examination of his leg.
However, it now looks certain that Farrell will become the latest high-profile league star to join union following Jason Robinson and Henry Paul, who have all been capped for England after switching codes.
The only variable still to be sorted out is where Farrell will play his club rugby. Saracens are favourite to land his services although the player has also spoken to Leicester and Northampton. The Rugby Football Union will jointly fund the move and if he lands a £200,000-a-year deal with Sarries, the Union would pay £100,000 of that figure.
However, Sarries look certain to have to fund a transfer fee themselves which could also run into six figures.
Andy Robinson, England's head coach, chose the eve of the England's Six Nations match against Italy to confirm that Farrell was joining union. He said: "An agreement has been reached and now its all about medical protocols and which club he will be going to.
"The club has not been agreed yet and it's much too early to discuss if he would be going with England on the summer tour to North America. I will discuss the full reasons of why we have gone for him when the championship is over."
Robinson said he is refusing to see tomorrow's Italy game as a wooden spoon eliminator and insists it is primarily an opportunity to recreate England's former outstanding record at Twickenham.
England, who haven't won a game in the Six Nations this season, have lost their last three home matches and Robinson said: "It's time to recreate Fortress Twickenham. That's what's written upon a board here at the stadium and we will need the crowd's help tomorrow.
"We need the white shirts, the noise and the enthusiasm tomorrow. Winning is vital for us. That's what it's all about."
By Chris Jones, Evening Standard
11 March 2005
English rugby chiefs have agreed terms with Wigan for the sale of Andy Farrell, the Great Britain rugby league captain, making his switch to union likely within days.
Farrell underwent a medical yesterday on the knee injury that will keep him out of rugby until May and the agreement will be subject to a further examination of his leg.
However, it now looks certain that Farrell will become the latest high-profile league star to join union following Jason Robinson and Henry Paul, who have all been capped for England after switching codes.
The only variable still to be sorted out is where Farrell will play his club rugby. Saracens are favourite to land his services although the player has also spoken to Leicester and Northampton. The Rugby Football Union will jointly fund the move and if he lands a £200,000-a-year deal with Sarries, the Union would pay £100,000 of that figure.
However, Sarries look certain to have to fund a transfer fee themselves which could also run into six figures.
Andy Robinson, England's head coach, chose the eve of the England's Six Nations match against Italy to confirm that Farrell was joining union. He said: "An agreement has been reached and now its all about medical protocols and which club he will be going to.
"The club has not been agreed yet and it's much too early to discuss if he would be going with England on the summer tour to North America. I will discuss the full reasons of why we have gone for him when the championship is over."
Robinson said he is refusing to see tomorrow's Italy game as a wooden spoon eliminator and insists it is primarily an opportunity to recreate England's former outstanding record at Twickenham.
England, who haven't won a game in the Six Nations this season, have lost their last three home matches and Robinson said: "It's time to recreate Fortress Twickenham. That's what's written upon a board here at the stadium and we will need the crowd's help tomorrow.
"We need the white shirts, the noise and the enthusiasm tomorrow. Winning is vital for us. That's what it's all about."
