Ireland coach Andy Farrell commits long-term future as Lions stint teed up

IRFU tie down head coach for fresh Rugby World Cup bid in 2027
Nick Purewal14 December 2023

Andy Farrell will lead Ireland to the 2027 Rugby World Cup after signing a two-year contract extension. 

The Ireland boss last year agreed new terms until 2025, but will now stay at the helm for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. 

The 48-year-old's new deal also edges him ever closer to being named the head coach for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025. 

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have always allowed Farrell’s official release for previous Lions assignments, and the former dual code international heads the queue to become the tourists’ new boss. 

Long-time Lions head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed he will not seek another stint, and has anointed Farrell as his successor

Ireland’s strong cooperation with the Lions hands them a further boost, and they can now surely go about finalising the his leadership role. 

Ireland chiefs have wasted no time in securing Farrell’s services for themselves in the meantime, locking down the highly decorated boss in the long-term. 

Farrell led Ireland to number one in the world heading into the World Cup, only to lose out 28-24 to New Zealand in the quarter-finals. They also claimed this year’s Six Nations Grand Slam, and pulled off a first-ever Test series win in New Zealand in 2022. 

But somehow Ireland’s wait for a World Cup semi-final goes on, despite Farrell’s men being the highest-ranked and best-equipped Test team in the nation’s history. 

Both the IRFU and Farrell have moved quickly to cement their strong set-up though, with continuity again strong in the Irish system. Attack coach Mike Catt will quit his Ireland role in the summer though, with a replacement to be confirmed in the coming weeks. 

“Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU,” said Farrell. “It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and as we enter a new cycle it will be exciting to see more players come through the system. 

“There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level. It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue.” 

Former England assistant coach Farrell has been part of Ireland’s Test set-up since 2016. The ex-Wigan and Saracens star took over from Joe Schmidt as head coach after the 2019 World Cup. 

“It is testament to the positive environment that Andy and his backroom team have fostered that Ireland have enjoyed such a sustained period of success in recent times,” said IRFU performance director David Nucifora. 

“Andy is an ambitious and talented coach who continues to make an indelible mark on Irish rugby, and it is a significant coup to retain his services. I have no doubt that he will look to build in the years to come.”

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