Saracens hoping to keep hold of Farrell

The former dual-code legend was loaned by the English Premiership champions to England's interim coaching panel for the RBS 6 Nations and is understood to be wanted by newly appointed head coach Stuart Lancaster to work with him through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

But Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths claims his club is reluctant to let their coach go on a full-time basis as they seek to build on last season's Premiership success. They host ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals at Vicarage Road, Watford, on Sunday, 8 April, and are keen to add a European title to their list of honours.

"The RFU asked if they could loan Andy Farrell for the Six Nations, which we did in the national interest. They made it very clear that it was just for the Six Nations," said Griffiths.

"He is contracted to us for another two years and he is a massive part of what we're planning here as a club, and that's really the situation. We will doubtless talk to the RFU shortly and hear what they have got to say but, from a Saracens perspective, Andy is a big part of our club and a big part of our future."
Saracens will warm-up for their European clash with Clermont by facing Premiership leaders Harlequins at a packed Wembley Stadium this weekend. Whichever team wins will have the bonus of being able to head back into Europe as the top team in England.

The Harlequins face a daunting trip to Toulon in the last eight of the Amlin Challenge Cup, while Saracens entertain Clermont, who currently lie in second place in the Top 14.

Saracens will be without England centre Brad Barritt this weekend - he is in South Africa acting as Best Man at his brother's wedding - and will be without back row man Andy Saul for five months following his injury at Sale Sharks. Also missing this weekend is South Africa's 2007 World Cup winning captain John Smit with a shoulder problem.

England outside half Owen Farrell starts at centre with Charlie Hodgson filing the No 10 jersey.

Saracens: Alex Goode; David Strettle, Chris Wyles, Owen Farrell, James Short; Charlie Hodgson, Neil de Kock; Matt Stevens, Schalk Brits, Carlos Nieto, Steve Borthwick (captain), Mouritz Botha, Justin Melck, Will Fraser, Ernst Joubert
Replacements: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Petrus du Plessis,George Kruis, Jackson Wray, Richard Wigglesworth, Adam Powell, Michael Tagicakibau