Ireland Rugby Coach Andy Farrell has spoken of his impassioned speech inspiring the visiting team to a series victory over the Wallabies at the Hart Arena, and will be joining the British team in 2025. He will lead the Irish Lions and their tour of Australia.
Mr Farrell was today confirmed as Warren Gatland’s successor and takes up the top job after serving as the New Zealanders’ assistant on the Lions’ tours to Australia and New Zealand in 2013 and 2017 respectively.
The 48-year-old Englishman will begin the role in December and will focus purely on the Lions from that point on. As a result, he will not be leading Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations.
Farrell coached Ireland for four years, leading them to the top of the world rankings, a Six Nations Grand Slam and an historic Test series win in New Zealand.
He went on to become one of the most insightful rugby coaches in the world, and when he gave a speech before the third Test against Australia, with the series fixed at 1, he was quoted as saying, from someone who was in his formative coaching years, that he was “developing.” -1 — for which he became famous.
“In D,” he said, referring to the defense, “we never allow our emotional energy to drop. You know why? Because there’s no tomorrow. There’s no tomorrow. We’re going to hurt them this weekend. I’m going to take him to a new arena.” ”
The Lions dominated the Australians, winning 41-16.
Asked today if he would reprise the role, Farrell laughed and said: I never play a movie star myself. I’m just being myself and putting the team first.”
Farrell said being chosen to manage the Lions “means the world to me.”
“It’s pretty special to be considered as a candidate for a head coaching role. To be chosen is truly magical,” he said at a press conference in central London.
“Having been on a Lions tour a few times, I already have a feel for what it’s all about. For those who supported the Lions and we all know what they represent at home, this is a special place for me to be the head coach. Honestly. , it is indescribable.”
Gatland has coached the Lions on their last three tours, most recently during South Africa’s 2-1 win in 2021, and said he would not return to the job after that.
As it stands, Farrell’s Ireland will provide the most players for a Lions squad that will play 10 games in a row, culminating in three games against the Wallabies.
Lions chief executive Ben Calvery said Farrell’s appointment would be “exciting for players and fans alike”.
“It’s clear that Andy has built a very strong connection between the Ireland team and our fans, and we look forward to building a similarly strong connection with Lions fans in 2025,” Calbury said. Told.