Rugby Union: Saracens See Farrell at Blindside

Saracens intend to play Andy Farrell at blind-side flanker rather than in the centre although the former Great Britain rugby league captain has yet to make his union debut since changing codes more than a year ago.

Ever since Farrell, now 31, joined Saracens there has been speculation over where he will be deployed. He never had the chance to put his boots on last season because toe and back injuries kept him out of action but he was still named in England's elite squad last week.

Whereas England last year saw Farrell as a potential centre, the Saracens' director of rugby Alan Gaffney said the player, who hopes to make his debut in next month's league opener against Wasps, would start in the back row.

"I see Andy at this moment as being of benefit to both Saracens and England in the No6 shirt," said Gaffney. "There is no doubt that he could do a good job at No12 but I believe that, although it will take him longer to learn the technical aspects of the game, playing at blind-side flanker would suit a player of his abilities, power and skill. I have not spoken to [England coach] Andy Robinson about it but I do not think he is too far from where I am headed."

Farrell is only just starting contact work in training but Gaffney said the September 2 fixture against Wasps was a realistic target. "If it is put back a week or two, so be it, but that is our aim at the moment. It is a pleasure to work with a player like him; he is thirsting for knowledge and I think he will bring a lot to English rugby."

Richard Hill, another Saracens back-row forward who missed last season because of injury, expects to return in October from a knee operation. "He is running again, although in the past that is when problems have occurred, and he is pain-free," said Gaffney. "He is on track to play in the second month of the season."

Wendell Sailor is set to serve his two-year ban for testing positive for cocaine after deciding not to lodge an appeal with the Australian Rugby Union. The former rugby league international, who was a regular member of the Wallaby team after switching codes in 2001, tested positive for the drug in April.