Andy Farrell appointed head coach of British and Irish Lions for 2025 tour of Australia
Andy Farrell was the defence coach of the Lions in their previous tour of Australia in 2013
©PA
Ireland boss Andy Farrell has been appointed the head coach of the British and Irish Lions side for the upcoming 2025 tour of Australia.
The 48-year-old will take over the reins from Warren Gatland having previously worked as defence coach under the Wales boss during the 2013 and 2017 tours of Australia and New Zealand respectively. He however missed the opportunity of featuring in the backroom staff for the 2021 tour of South Africa due to his commitment with Ireland.
"It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to be named head coach of the British & Irish Lions," Farrell said.
"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 Irish Rugby Football Union 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, who previously worked as an assistant to England between 2011 and 2015 moved to Ireland for a similar role under Joe Schmidt between 2016 and 2019 before taking in charge post the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Under Farrell, Ireland claimed a historic series win in New Zealand for the first time in 2022, a series victory against Australia and a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023 leading them to a number one position in the World Rugby Rankings. Ireland also managed to reach the quarter-finals in the recently concluded Rugby World Cup in France last year.
"We are delighted to announce Andy Farrell as head coach of The British & Irish Lions for the Tour to Australia in 2025," said British & Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley.
"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. His achievements with Ireland in recent years have been exceptional and his coaching experience at test-match level with Ireland, England and The British & Irish 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."
