Toner backs Farrell to flourish as Schmidt successor

Andy Farrell’s upcoming elevation to the role of Ireland head coach has been universally welcomed on these shores and yet no amount of succession planning can override the usual raft of known unknowns.

The former rugby league player has put together a spectacular CV via his days coaching with Saracens, England, the Lions, and Ireland but he has never been the man calling all the shots in any of those dressing rooms.