Lions chief executive says Andy Farrell in ‘strong position’ to return as coach

Andy Farrell’s credentials to remain British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2029 tour to New Zealand have been endorsed by chief executive Ben Calveley.

Farrell has steered the Lions to their first series triumph since 2013 with Saturday’s 22-12 defeat by the Wallabies in Sydney the only loss of their nine-fixture visit to Australia.

Even if their march towards the whitewash was conclusively halted at the final hurdle, the 50-year-old Ireland boss has presided over a successful tour notable for its results, squad cohesion, commitment to playing rugby and the character shown to win the second Test in the dying seconds.

#Lions2025: completed ✅ pic.twitter.com/L8U7WijgPu

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) August 2, 2025

Planning for 2029 is already underway with Calveley promising a similar structure and number of games to the itinerary just completed, although the final midweek fixture will be looked at closely because of the disruption it causes to Test preparations.

Farrell is the favourite to lead that expedition and Calveley suggests that the most coveted post in British and Irish rugby is currently his to lose.

“Andy’s done an incredible job and I have really enjoyed working with him,” Calveley said.

“I go right back to when I first met him to offer him the role. You could see right then that we had made the right decision in appointing Andy.

“Since he has started full time back in December, he has brought a real focus to the operation which has ultimately resulted in success on the field of play. We will now give him a bit of time off.

“When it comes to our appointments for future tours, we will start the process in about two years and I don’t think it would be right to comment on where it ends up. But