Andy Farrell to take a sabbatical from Ireland next December to focus on 2025 Lions tour

The Ireland boss given green light by Ireland to take charge of the Lions for their 10-fixture trip in 2025

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024 - 11:30

Simon Lewis, London

Andy Farrell has been confirmed as head coach to lead the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia.

The Englishman guided Ireland to the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam and a historic first series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022 that returned his side to the top of the World Rugby rankings. He was the Lions' defence coach under previous head coach Warren Gatland on the successful 2013 tour to Australia and the drawn series with the All Blacks four years later.

It is understood Farrell, 48, who last month signed a contract extension with the IRFU to continue as Ireland head coach up to the 2027 World Cup, also in Australia, will temporarily leave that role from next December 1 to concentrate on preparing for the tour and three-Test series against the Wallabies the following July with the Lions playing a pre-tour Test against Argentina at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on June 20, 2025 That will see the former Wigan Warriors rugby league star hand the Ireland reins over to an assistant coach for the 2025 Six Nations, just as Gatland did ahead of his two Lions tours.

"It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to be named Head Coach of The British & Irish Lions," Farrell says. "I know how special Lions Tours are having been involved in the 2013 and 2017 Tours, so I am delighted to get the chance to lead the team in 2025.

"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. I also want to thank the IRFU for their support in allowing me to accept this prestigious opportunity.

"The British & 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."

Farrell will name his 2024 Six Nations squad next week and is expected to announce his choice to succeed the now-retired Johnny Sexton as national team captain at the same time ahead of Ireland's opening round fixture against France in Marseille on Friday, February 2.

"Andy is without question one of the best coaches in the world and knows what it takes to win a series in Australia given his involvement in the series win in 2013," Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said.

"His achievements with Ireland in recent years have been exceptional and his coaching experience at Test-match level with Ireland, England and the Lions make him an outstanding candidate for this role.

"Andy is an excellent appointment for us and one which we believe will excite players and fans alike.

"It is clear to see that Andy has built a very strong connection between the Irish team and its fans and we are relishing a similarly strong connection being created with Lions fans in 2025.

"We firmly believe his appointment puts us in a great position to achieve success on the field and I'm looking forward to working alongside him as we build towards the Tour."

A selection committee consisting of of Brian O'Driscoll, Ieuan Evans, Nigel Redman and Sir Ian McGeechan spent six months assessing the possible options before settling on Farrell.

"This means the world to me. To be chosen is pretty magical, it definitely is," said Farrell, speaking at press conference in central London to announce his appointment.

"It's beyond words to be honest. Having been on a couple of tours already gives me the feels of what it's about."

Farrell is in "no rush at all" to appoint his assistant coaches and insists there would be no repeat of his famous 'hurt arena' speech from the 2013 tour, saying "I've probably grown up a little bit since then".