Farrell signed for Saracens in a big-money cross-code switch from Wigan 12 months ago that was jointly-funded by the Rugby Football Union.

But the former Great Britain rugby league captain, who was recovering from knee surgery when Saracens signed him last April, is yet to kick a ball in anger for either club or country. He has also been struck down by a broken toe and then a prolapsed disc.

The 30-year-old is back in training now but he will not feature in any of Saracens' last three Premiership games this season.

And any thoughts England had of fast-tracking Farrell into their World Cup squad also appear to have faded.

Sinderberry has received no indication that head coach Andy Robinson wants Farrell to travel with England A to the Churchill Cup this summer.

''We are now at a point in the season where we won't force anything. We have three games to go, we won't expect him to play for the balance of those matches,'' said Sinderberry.

''He is fit but not match fit because he has not played for a number of months. Could he play tomorrow? No. Is he getting close? Yes.

''I am not aware of any correspondence from the RFU at the moment. I understand they have got some other issues on their plate.''

Farrell has not played a professional rugby match since November 2004, when he captained Great Britain against Australia in the Tri-Nations final.

By the time Saracens kick off their 2006-07 campaign this September, Farrell will have gone 17 months without playing a game either rugby code.

But Sinderberry, who insists Farrell's £125,000-a-year wage-packet has not been wasted, still predicts great things from him for both Saracens and England.

''We are very confident he will play a very significant role for the club next year and I also believe he will make a great contribution to English rugby,'' said Sinderberry.

''He is an outstanding individual. Even though he has been through a very difficult time his contribution to the club has been first class.

''We have been delighted to have Andy Farrell as part of our organisation.''