Ireland head coach Andy Farrell commits future to IRFU 

'TIL 2027: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell before the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final match at Stade de France. Pic: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.

Andy Farrell has committed his future to Ireland until 2027 with the IRFU announcing new contract extension for the national men's team head coach on Thursday.

Farrell, who succeeded Joe Schmidt following the 2019 World Cup, was already contracted to 2025 and the IRFU have now secured the much sought-after talents of a Grand Slam-winning Test boss through to the next World Cup in Australia.

Ireland came up short in the tournament in France two months ago, narrowly losing their quarter-final to New Zealand in Paris but Farrell has plenty of credit in the bank.

Having taken time to transform Ireland's playing style and team environment after the 2019 World Cup, the former defence coach guided Ireland to a Six Nations Triple Crown in 2022 followed by a historic Test series win in New Zealand that summer. 

Their second Test victory over the All Blacks on their home soil in Dunedin was a first and kickstarted a national record 17-Test winning rum which included the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam and only ended with that World Cup quarter-final defeat.

Farrell has been linked with leading the British and Irish Lions to Australia in 2025 as head coach but this new deal ensures that if he does get that prestigious role he will be back at the helm with Ireland for the build-up to the 2027 World Cup.

Farrell said: "Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU. It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.

"There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the last number of Ireland Under-20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future. 

"It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue."

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora commented: "Over the course of the last four years Andy has helped drive the highest standards for the men’s national team and it is testament to the positive environment which he and his backroom team have fostered that Ireland has enjoyed such a sustained period of success in recent times. 

"Andy is an ambitious and talented coach who continues to make an indelible mark on Irish rugby, and it is a significant coup to retain his services. I have no doubt that he will look to build in the years to come."

IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts added: "The IRFU is determined to attract and retain top class coaching talent and we are delighted to announce Andy’s contract extension, which is a hugely positive boost for the game in Ireland. 

"Andy is a world-class coach and an inspirational leader of great talent and integrity who has already made a significant contribution to Irish rugby through his leadership of our men’s national team. We are extremely pleased that he has agreed to remain in Ireland."