Lions fun comes after the work, says coach Farrell

LONDON : Andy Farrell is undoubtedly a genuine, approachable operator with a record of ensuring his players enjoy themselves, but the newly-appointed British and Irish Lions coach made it clear on Thursday that having fun will not be his first priority.

Farrell is widely credited with "bringing the joy back" in his role in charge of Ireland, with hugely impressive results on the field going hand in hand. He was appointed for the 2025 tour of Australia on the back on his work there that earned him World Rugby's coach of the year accolade in 2023.

His relaxed persona, however, is built on decades of laser-focused concentration on achievement, as one of England's most successful and respected rugby league players, through a brief spell in union where he played in the 2007 World Cup, a coaching career with England, Ireland and, twice as an assistant, with the Lions.

"There is a fine line because you know there's a lot of talk about fun and enjoyment etc, but you don't get that if you've not got the talent and the technical abilities to put the right tools in front of the talented group we are going to have," he told a news conference on Thursday after his appointment was confirmed.

"So, first and foremost, it's getting the right tactics, with the right facilities in the right environment. From the tours I've been on, the camaraderie, the excitement, the bond are because when you get the best of the best together, who are trying to learn off each other, the respect is through the roof."

Farrell was a relatively rookie coach when Warren Gatland took him to Australia as an assistant in 2013, when the Lions triumphed 2-1 in the series. He has no doubt that the 2025 hosts will again provide formidable opposition, despite their current