Andy Farrell praised the joined-up thinking of Irish rugby and insisted he has no reason to return home for a job in England.
Since being sacked by the RFU after the 2015 World Cup, Farrell has forged a reputation as one of the game’s leading coaches, steering Ireland to No 1 in the world rankings.
England made enquiries about bringing him back to Twickenham when Eddie Jones was sacked, but was told where to go by their former employee.
Below, we take a look at the team we think Farrell would name considering his current Ireland selection.
How England would line-up under Andy Farrell:
Back-three:
#15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
#14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
#11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park, Exeter on 28th January 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Centre:
#13. Elliot Daly (Saracens)
#12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
A frustrated Ollie Lawrence of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Halfbacks:
#10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
#9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
A dejected Owen Farrell of England applauds in the direction of the England supporters at full-time following the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Front-row:
#1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
#2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)
#3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
Ellis Genge of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Second-row:
#4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
#5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Back-row:
#6. Ben Earl (Saracens)
#7. Jack Willis (Toulouse)
#8. Zach Mercer (Montpellier)
Jack Willis of England during the England Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium, London on 24 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
