Stuart Lancaster, the England head coach, has denied he has been in contact with Andy Farrell and does not plan to make any changes to his coaching team for the tour to South Africa.

Saracens announced this morning that Farrell had stepped down from his position as first-team coach with the Aviva Premiership club and the 37-year-old was immediately linked with a return to the England set-up.

The former England internationalist was part of Lancaster's coaching team during the RBS 6 Nations Championship, but opted to remain with Saracens after the tournament. Lancaster had hoped to retain Farrell's services, but a deal could not be agreed and Mike Catt was drafted in as a coach for the trip to South Africa.

Lancaster addressed the media in Durban yesterday where he played down suggestions that Farrell was to return to his staff. The Rugby Football Union said via Twitter: "Lancaster confirms he has not spoken to Andy Farrell and there will no changes to his set-up."