Andy Farrell finally crossed rugby's equivalent of the Rubicon in the glare of the media spotlight at Saracens' Vicarage Rd base in Watford.
"I think this move can revolutionise rugby union," said the England head coach, Andy Robinson, already drooling at the prospect of the multi-skilled Farrell's entry into the
15-a-side code.
If the head coach of Saracens, Steve Diamond, is to be believed, then Farrell should have no problem grasping the principles of rugby.
"We don't need to educate Andy on a daily basis, he's got the basics. It is more a question of teaching him what not to do."
The Great Britain captain has switched without a qualm. He did not even bother to talk things over with two other rugby league converts, Jason Robinson and Henry Paul.
"I talked mainly to my family," said the 29-year-old Farrell. "I didn't need to think about it, I've always known deep down it's the right thing for me. I have no fear of failure, none whatsoever. If I were a betting man I'd back myself to succeed."
Robinson, for one, sees great times ahead for English rugby, or more specifically England and Saracens, because of Farrell's conversion.
"I think he will put bums on seats for Saracens," he said, "and I think he will be great for the Zurich Premiership."
But only until Robinson deems Farrell is ready for England. The Rugby Football Union is not shelling out its half of the 700,000 ($1.837 million) three-year deal to see Farrell help Saracens benefit from the crossover. England will, no doubt, one day require their share.
"I will pick him for England when he is ready. When he has proved he is better than anyone else in that position," said Robinson, who refused to say when that might be.
Farrell will be brought into the England training squad for a couple of days before the party leaves, without the former Wigan player, for the Churchill Cup in Canada in June.
But Robinson does intend including Farrell in the elite player squad in the northern autumn, by which time the player should be up to speed.
Both Diamond and Robinson envisage a gentle introduction to union, starting Farrell at second five-eighths, but ultimately Robinson sees Farrell in the back row. That will depend on how quickly the code-breaker assimilates all there is to assimilate in union.
- INDEPENDENT
