News: Andy Farrell is set to be appointed head coach of the British and Irish Lions for their 2025 tour of Australia on Thursday.
A month after agreeing a deal to keep Ireland in charge until the end of the 2027 World Cup, Farrell was confirmed as the Lions’ successor to Warren Gatland at a lunchtime press conference in central London. It is scheduled to be done.
The 48-year-old Briton masterminded last year’s Grand Slam and a historic 2-1 series victory in New Zealand in 2022, making him an outstanding candidate for one of the game’s most prestigious posts. It is considered.
Ireland also enjoyed a long run at the top of the world rankings under his guidance, until being pushed to second place by defending World Cup winners South Africa last fall.
Farrell will be in charge of the Lions for the first time after impressing as assistant coach under Gatland on tour in 2013 and 2017, and his appointment will have the blessing of the Irish Rugby Football Union. .
“We would be delighted if Andy was appointed as Lions coach so we hope that is his next honour,” IRFU performance director David Nucifora said in December.
In addition to his managerial duties, Farrell will also serve as England, Scotland and Wales coach, who is expected to be a large part of the touring squad unless they threaten Ireland’s dominance over the next 18 months. There are also advantages.
The dual-code international won eight caps as a center in 2007 after joining from Wigan Rugby League Club before moving into the coaching world, first with Saracens and then as assistant under Stuart Lancaster in England. Ta.
He joined Ireland after the 2015 World Cup and replaced Joe Schmidt as head coach four years later.
An inspirational figure, he was instrumental in the 2-1 win over Australia in 2013 and the series win against New Zealand in 2017, and has yet to lose a series with the Lions. .
He missed the recent tour of South Africa due to commitments with Ireland, but this time there are no objections from the IRFU and it is likely that he will be granted a sabbatical.
The Kiwi Wales manager has already ruled himself out, and it will be the first time since 2009 that someone other than Gatland will lead the Lions.
Next year’s tour schedule begins with a match against Western Force on June 28th, followed by the first test in Brisbane on July 19th.