IRFU happy for Andy Farrell to join Lions tour

In the absence of a summer tour to Fiji, Ireland will play home Tests against Japan and the USA

Andy Farrell: Has been the Lions defence coach on their last three tours.

Andy Farrell will join the Lions coaching ticket this summer with the full blessing of his employers, IRFU performance director David Nucifora said.

Ireland’s head coach, the Lions defence coach on their last three tours, will join head coach Warren Gatland in South Africa following the national team’s second and final summer Test in early July.