Andy Farrell confident of striking balance between Ireland and Lions roles

Andy Farrell expressed complete confidence that his Irish team will not face setbacks during his sabbatical to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2025.

The 48-year-old has been officially appointed for the Lions tour to Australia in the upcoming year, necessitating him to temporarily relinquish his position with Ireland after the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.

Farrell is set to dedicate his efforts solely to the Lions from December of this year until the conclusion of the Australian tour, with his return to the Irish setup expected in August 2025. During his absence, it is expected that either Paul O'Connell or Simon Easterby is likely to assume the role of interim head coach.

"They certainly will. We've got fantastic people there, fantastic experienced coaches that work strongly together with the players to continue the journey.

"I'll balance the two roles by making sure I give both roles the right attention that both roles deserve.

"I wouldn't take on this role unless I could do both roles to the best of my ability, and therefore I'm very, very grateful to the IRFU for this opportunity".

Farrell already worked with the Lions in the 2013 and 2017 tours of Australia and New Zealand respectively as defence coach but now will take the reins from Warren Gatland.

"It means the world to me," he said at at press conference in London.

"To be thought of as a candidate for the head coach role is pretty special, but to be chosen is pretty magical, it definitely is.

"Being on a couple of Lions tours already gives me the feel of what it's all about, and for those who have been lucky enough to be involved before, or for those of us who have been lucky enough to go on Lions tours as a supporter, or support what the Lions stand for at home, we all know how special it is.

"We had a conversation a couple of months ago, myself and Ben, and he laid out all the different ramifications of what it involved to be involved, and he didn't need to do that. It was a no-brainer, because it's such an honour."