Quote: The Observer "Farrell is highly regarded in RU circles for his coaching ability. Lancaster may not have lifted Leeds off the foot of the premiership, but he had to work with a team promoted from the Championship, which has consistently struggled in the Premiership. Compare Leeds RU's players with those of teams like Leicester and Saracens.
As for Lancaster's competition, he won the job over Nick Mallett, the former South Africa Springboks coach who won a record 17 tests in a row. Fellow former Springbok coach Jake White (World Cup winner in 2007) expressed interest. England could also have gone for world class coaches like NZer Vern Cotter (took French club Clermont to 4 consecutive finals, winning the 4th) or Australian Michael Cheika (won a Celtic League and European Cup title with irish province Leinster).
Lancaster and Farrell coached their side well enough to beat the All Blacks last year, which hasn't been done since August last year.
Farrell would not get into the All Black or Wallaby sides. However, nor would any of the other NH playmakers or Springboks for that matter. Furthermore, which England RL playmakers would get into the Kangaroos? None. It is immaterial, as Farrell would only need contend for a place in the England RU or RL teams, and would compete well for a place.'"
On Farrell being well regarded - so is Mick Ford, Neil Kelly etc they hardly starred in RL and if they could get a job in RL they would be back in a shot. Noble is another one - no one in RL wants to give him a job but he can get work in RU.
England have never had a foreign coach so Lancaster was not really competing with Mallet as you well know. You mentioned Leeds struggling the point of a good coach is to get the best out of the players - can you really say that about Lancaster's time at Leeds?
The point about Farrell was would he be any good in RL - the answer to that is no - he speed of thought is too slow - in RL he would be much closer to the line his decision making would have to quicken considerably also how would he defend against big centres two/three times in a set!!
you could have a rich ex player pump 15 million into a club like us 
