Andy Farrell has been named as the British and Irish Lions head coach for the tour to Australia in 2025.
Farrell, 48, has coached Ireland since 2019 through a period of tremendous success where they beat New Zealand in an away test series in July 2022, occupied the top spot in the World Rankings from that win through to October 2023 and won a Grand Slam in the 2023 Six Nations.
The Englishman has been individually recognised for his coaching with the World Rugby Coach of the Year and RTE Coach of the Year awards, both for Ireland's performance in 2023.
And after three consecutive tours with Warren Gatland at the helm the Lions have finally put their faith in a new man, with Farrell joining up after spells with the team in 2013 and 2017 where he was handed heavy praise by Gatland for his management of the Lions' defence.
“There is a wealth of talent across Britain and Ireland, and I am looking forward to building a team that can deliver the ultimate goal of success in Australia,” Farrell said.
“The British and Irish Lions fan base is really special, uniting supporters from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and beyond.
“Mobilising that sea of red by creating a team that our fans can connect with and be proud of will be a key priority for me and will be crucial to our success.”
Before joining up with Ireland, Farrell was a dual code international for England and Great Britain in rugby league, and England in rugby union for whom he played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
After his retirement he coached Saracens before joining Stuart Lancaster's England staff where he was in charge of the backs until their disappointing exit from the 2015 World Cup at the group stages.
He was let go from England following the tournament, and picked up by Ireland where he was Joe Schmidt's right hand man during their 2018 Grand Slam triumph.
Taking over as head coach after the 2019 World Cup, he guided the country through its most successful period in the sport after implementing an intricate and cohesive game plan that began to bear fruits towards the end of 2021.
Ieuan Evans, British & Irish Lions Chairperson said on the Lions website: “Andy Farrell's appointment marks a fantastic chapter for the Lions as we build towards the 2025 Tour in Australia.
“We know the challenge we face in Australia won't be easy and to have someone of his stature with the Lions puts us in a great position to replicate the success we enjoyed in 2013.
“British & Irish Lions Tours are unique in the world of sport and Australia is always a very special place to play rugby. It is home to some of the most iconic stadiums in the world which will be packed full of passionate fans.”
For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.
