Andy Farrell to take over as Ireland defence coach

Andy Farrell will take over as Ireland defence coach at the end of the Six Nations.
The former dual-code international, 40, had spent the last four years in a similar role with England but was dismissed following the disastrous World Cup campaign. He was also the defence coach during the winning Lions series.
His contract with the IRFU will commence ahead of the June summer tour of South Africa and run until the completion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt said: “It’s great to have Andy coming into our coaching team. The quality of his delivery and breadth of his experience as well as the positive impact he had when coaching a number of our senior players during the 2013 Lions tour will add real value for us.”
Andy Farrell commented, “To have this opportunity to work with a very talented management and playing group really excites me.  With a wealth of top class experienced senior players and a fantastic crop of youngsters pushing hard the future is very positive for Irish rugby and I can’t wait to get started.”