Farrell walks out on Saracens

England bound | Andy Farrell chose to remain with Saracens in April when Stuart Lancaster invited him into the England set-up, but it appears whatever loyalty he had has passed. (Image | Daily Mail)

First team coach Andy Farrell this morning left Saracens with a view to joining the England rugby team coaching roster. The former Great Britain captain had been part of the England set-up during this year’s Six Nations Championship, but he chose to return to Saracens after the tournament ended.

With two years remaining on his contract with Saracens, who ply their trade in the Aviva Premiership at Vicarage Road stadium, any absorption of Farrell into the England coaching team is yet to be confirmed. Stuart Lancaster, England head coach, and his charges are due to play a three Test series against South Africa. Also in Lancaster’s coaching team are former England back Mike Catt, and Graham Rowntree.

Aviva Premiership 2011/12 review: three XVs of the season

Ahead of this weekend’s Premiership Final between Harlequins and Leicester Tigers, it’s time to look back at the improving – and fading – talents of English rugby (Image | leicestertigers.com)

As the Aviva Premiership draws to its climax this weekend, it’s time to look back at the 9 months and 23 rounds of rugby that have led us there. But which players have had a season to remember, which have had one to forget and which new names have pushed their way towards stardom this year?

TAP’s resident rugby expert Peter Emuss sits down to guide you through the Premiership’s notables – and not-so-notables – ahead of today’s Premiership final…