The Rugby Football Union put an end to weeks of speculation when they announced that a deal had been agreed with Saracens to take the Great Britain captain into the 15-man code.

Farrell, who will be unveiled at a press conference at Vicarage Road on Thursday afternoon, which will be attended by England coach Andy Robinson, had been targeted by the RFU as a potential England player for his leadership and goalkicking qualities.

Speculation the 29-year-old Wigan great could switch codes surfaced last month. The RFU reached agreement with the Warriors a fortnight ago and have since been trying to strike a deal to place their latest cross-code signing with a Premiership club.

Farrells destination has turned out to be Saracens, where he will link up with Hill, also a potential future England team-mate.

Hill told BBC Radio Five Live: The rumours have been going around for a long time and now a decision has been made.

Obviously Saracens are going to be the team to groom him into a great rugby union player.

Saracens French star Thomas Castaignede is looking forward to linking up with the new signing.

He said: Welcome to rugby union. I have seen him playing rugby league and he is very good. I hope he will be the same for us.

Another Wigan great, Shaun Edwards, now coach at Saracens' Premiership rivals Wasps, has no doubt Farrell will make the transition.

Edwards told Sky Sports News: He has been a professional rugby league player since the age of 16.

He will be prepared to do the extra work that he needs to do and will probably double it.

He has all the attributes needed and is possibly the best goalkicker I have come across.