Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths has hit back at claims from Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill that Saracens coach Andy Farrell's new role in the England set-up will lead to a conflict of interests.

Farrell was recently named as an assistant coach to England's interim coach Stuart Lancaster who has been tasked with guiding the national team through the Six Nations.

Cockerill was particularly concerned that Farrell's new role will give him special access to players in the England squad such as Northampton Saints wing Chris Ashton who is rumoured to be considering a move to Saracens.

However, Griffiths dismissed these concerns and explained that he had plenty of confidence in Farrell's integrity.

"This sort of question always gets raised when there is a crossover between club and country, and the answer always lies in the integrity of the individual concerned," Griffiths told the Telegraph.

Cockerill was quite put out that none of the other Premiership clubs had been consulted about Farrell's appointment and said that he would like clarity on the Saracens coach's role with England.

Griffiths said that Cockerill's concerns were unwarranted and explained that Saracens only motives for making Farrell available was to aid the revival of the England team in a difficult time.

He said: "I can assure you that there is no reason for anyone, Richard Cockerill or anybody else, to question the integrity of Andy Farrell.

"England found themselves in a particular position and were in need of a short-term solution. We responded for the common good. People shouldn't always look for the negatives," he added.

Premiership Rugby have since confirmed that they were indeed consulted by the RFU about Farrell's appointment and had given permission on behalf of the 12 clubs in England's premier tournament.