Bernard Jackman: 'Fresh' Andy Farrell can boost Ireland after completing Lions head coach experience

Bernard Jackman believes Andy Farrell's time away in charge of the British & Irish Lions for the 2025 tour to Australia will have numerous positive ramifications for Ireland.

The long-expected developement that the Ireland head coach would be at the helm of the Lions next year was confirmed on Thursday and it means that the Englishman will temporarily step aside from his current role following the Autumn Nations Series later this year.

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.

RTÉ Rugby analyst Jackman said the timing was right for Farrell on a personal level to take the Lions top job and that he would be better for the experience when he resumed his Ireland duties.

.@BernardJackman believes Andy Farrell being appointed Lions head coach is "massive for him personally and a great tribute to Irish rugby as well. He'll come back fresh, mentally, having worked with different coaches and players..." #Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/AsnSi5kcAL

"It is the pinnacle, bar winning a World Cup but certainly he's been part of it twice. He was part of Warren Gatland's coaching staff on two different tours - 2013 and 2017 - and he sat out in 2021 because he felt it wasn't right having just taken over (Ireland) and was building towards a World Cup in France," he said on RTÉ's Six One News.

"Him getting that chance is massive for him personally. I think it's a great tribute to Irish rugby as well and the IRFU should be applauded for allowing him to take that sabbatical and he'll come back