Andy Farrell, the current coach of Ireland, has been named the head coach for the British and Irish Lions’ 2025 tour to Australia, succeeding Warren Gatland.
Farrell, 48, previously served as Gatland’s assistant in the 2013 and 2017 Lions series. He has led Ireland to notable achievements, including a series win in New Zealand and a Six Nations Grand Slam since taking over in 2019.
Farrell expressed his gratitude to the Irish Rugby Football Union for allowing him to take on this “honour and privilege.” The Lions’ tour schedule will commence in December 2024, with Farrell preparing the team for 10 games, including an opening Test against Argentina in Dublin and concluding with a three-Test series against Australia in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Ben Calveley, Chief Executive of the British and Irish Lions, praised Farrell as an “outstanding candidate” with valuable experience. Farrell’s role with the Lions necessitates a sabbatical from his position with Ireland. His extensive career includes playing for Wigan in rugby league before transitioning to rugby union in 2005, where he played for Saracens and earned eight caps for England.
Following his playing career, Farrell moved into coaching, initially with Saracens and later as an assistant under England coach Stuart Lancaster.
Joining Joe Schmidt’s Ireland coaching team ahead of the 2015 World Cup, Farrell succeeded Schmidt as the head coach four years later. Despite Ireland’s strong ranking and status as favorites in the 2023 World Cup, they were defeated by New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
The Lions’ tour in Australia is set to begin against Western Force on June 28, 2025, with the first Test scheduled for July 19 in Brisbane.
Source: BBC Sports
