Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill has questioned the decision to appoint Saracens coach Andy Farrell as one of England's interim coaching staff for the Six Nations.

Farrell, together with Graham Rowntree are the assistants to England caretaker boss Stuart Lancaster, and will be with the side for the Six nations early next year.

Cockerill's chief concern is that Farrell's appointment sparks a conflict of interest, as he will have privileged access to the country's leading players, including the likes of Northampton Saints star Chris Ashton, who is rumoured to be considering a move to Saracens.

"Clearly there's a conflict there," Cockerill told The Guardian.

Cockerill also confirmed that the other 11 Aviva Premiership clubs were not consulted about Farrell's potentially controversial appointment.

"Chris Ashton gets to work with the Saracens head coach for eight weeks. The clubs weren't consulted about that. He [Farrell] is a quality coach; a really good bloke [but] we don't know the parameters of what he is doing or not doing. Premier Rugby and the Rugby Football Union need at least to clarify the situation on what Farrell does."

The Tigers boss will meet with Lancaster next week to discuss the new England boss' plans

"He's in charge of all selection, I'm not going to tell him who to pick," said Cockerill. "I won't be helping Stuart pick his team, that's up to Stuart and Graham Rowntree.

"Stuart has his own ethos on the game. I need to find out what that is exactly and what he wants from our players. I'll be as honest and forthright as I've always been, whoever's in charge."

There could be future controversy regarding Farrell's appointment, as his son, Owen, is a contender for a first England call up in the near future. Regardless of Farrell junior's credentials, the motives behind his selection would be questioned.