Andy Farrell has been named the head coach of the British and Irish Lions for their 2025 tour of Australia.
The 48-year-old Englishman, currently the coach of Ireland, will succeed Warren Gatland.
Farrell has a distinguished coaching record, including leading Ireland to their first series win in New Zealand and a Six Nations Grand Slam since taking over in 2019. He recently extended his contract with Ireland through to 2027.
Farrell, who has previous experience as Gatland’s assistant in the 2013 and 2017 Lions series, said it was an ‘honour and privilege’ to be offered the prestigious role. He aims to build a team that unites the diverse talent across Britain and Ireland and resonates with the Lions’ extensive fan base.
The Lions’ 2025 tour includes 10 games, beginning with a Test against Argentina in Dublin and culminating in a three-Test series against Australia in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Ben Calveley, the Lions’ chief executive, praised Farrell as an outstanding candidate, highlighting his successful coaching background.
Farrell will take a sabbatical from his Ireland duties for the tour, similar to Gatland’s arrangement during his Lions tenure. Farrell was unavailable for Gatland’s final tour in 2021 due to commitments with Ireland.
As a player, Farrell had a successful rugby league career with Wigan before switching to rugby union in 2005, playing for Saracens and earning eight caps for England. He transitioned into coaching with Saracens and as an assistant under England coach Stuart Lancaster, before joining Ireland’s coaching team in 2015 and eventually becoming head coach in 2019.
Despite Ireland’s status as a top-ranked team and favuorites for the 2023 World Cup, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by the All Blacks.
The Lions’ 2025 tour in Australia is set to begin against Western Force on June 28, with the first Test in Brisbane on July 19.
