Andy Farrell is the leading contender to become the next British and Irish Lions head coach, with the Ireland boss set to be unveiled next week for the 2025 tour of Australia.
Despite the 2023 Rugby World Cup setback with Ireland, Farrell’s proven track record positions him as the front-runner, according to a report on the UK’s Daily Mail.
Having orchestrated a Grand Slam and secured a historic Test series win in New Zealand, the former rugby league icon brings Lions experience from their 2013 and 2017 campaigns.
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Farrell’s new deal with Ireland paved the way for this appointment, with outgoing performance director David Nucifora quoted saying, “We’d be ecstatic if Andy was named coach of the Lions.”
Nucifora is open to discussions regarding Farrell’s potential absence from Ireland during the tour.
Farrell previously served as a Lions assistant under Warren Gatland, but circumstances prevented their collaboration in the 2021 series against the Springboks in the Republic.
Photo: INPHO/Dan Sheridan