Andy Farrell says he has full confidence his Irish team won't suffer while he takes a sabbatical to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2025.The Ireland boss was confirmed as head coach for the Lions tour to Australia next year, which will see him temporarily step aside from his role with Ireland following the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.The World Rugby coach of the year will work exclusively with the Lions from 1 December this year until the end of the Lions' Australian tour, before returning to the Irish set-up in August of 2025.
Either Paul O'Connell or Simon Easterby will likely step up to the role of interim head coach in his absence.Farrell's appointment as Lions coach was the worst kept secret in rugby in recent months.
He takes the reins from Warren Gatland, who presided over the last three tours in 2013, 2017 and 2021.And Farrell, who worked as an assistant to Gatland on the 2013 and 2017 tours, says he didn't have to think about it for a second when he was offered the role."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.