In his first role as a rugby coach, Johnson’s record of just eight wins in 19 games is far from impressive but Farrell – who is also making his first foray into coaching with both Saracens and the England Saxons – says supporters’ patience will be rewarded.

He said: “Martin Johnson has got a massive aura about him and I am sure he will have a good summer tour because of what he has learnt so far.

“He has already admitted that he has made mistakes and that he is learning as it goes along and I am sure he will continue to improve and the side will too.

“He is only going to get better as a team manager and I think people will look back on him in the future as an excellent team manager.

“He was always going to be learning as he went along, but there will be a time when you will see the rewards of that and I think we will see some strong performances this summer.”