Brian O’Driscoll believes Andy Farrell has unfinished business with England and expects him to return when his contract with Ireland expires.
The 48-year-old was England’s defense coach from 2012 to 2015, but his role ended following the disastrous Rugby World Cup result.
They became the first hosts to be ousted in the pool stages under the coaching group of Stuart Lancaster, Mike Catt and Farrell.
move to ireland
All three ended up working in Ireland, with the latter two becoming part of organizations within the country.
Farrell had a great time with Ireland, leading them to number one in the world and winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023.
His contract ends after the 2027 World Cup, but O’Driscoll insists it is the best time to return to England.
“Why not? I know he’s in no hurry. If he continues to do what he’s doing after an eight-year cycle, time will pass internationally,” he said. off the ball Podcast.
“Eight years is a long time by world standards. Obviously he’s been on holiday with the (British and Irish) Lions during that time and this is a great opportunity to develop the next group of coaches (Ireland). I think it would work very well.
“Whether it’s Simon Easterby or Paul O’Connell or anyone else, it brings them to the forefront and I think that’s a really good thing.
“You have to expect that he is not going to come back to club games. It is difficult to go back to a club from international duty.
“It’s not impossible, but if you’re an Englishman to think that if Ireland continue to be a successful team and a well-coached team, he wouldn’t bite your hand for the chance to coach his country. He’ll be angry.
“Having played for them and having coached them in a failed World Cup, he will want to put that right.
“He’s not yet 50 so he has many years ahead of him as a coach. He could also coach other international teams.”
The role of Lions
Farrell was recently announced as the British Irish Lions’ new head coach ahead of their 2025 tour of Australia.
There is some question as to whether this is a good thing for Ireland given the disruption it will cause, but Mr O’Driscoll said:
“It’s a win-win because he’ll have all the information available. He’ll be better off that way. He’ll know the players he’ll be playing against as Ireland manager for the next few years.
“When he eventually becomes England manager, which you would expect at some point, he will be looking at the young players who are coming through now.”
read more: Brian O’Driscoll offers unique solution to Ireland’s wing crisis