ICYMI: British and Irish Lions to name new coach next week

It looks certain that Ireland’s Andy Farrell will lead the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 trip of Australia as head coach.

The Englishman, who participated in two tours in 2013 and 2017, is expected to be announced as the 2025 edition’s next head honcho.

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British and Irish Lions to name new coach

The Daily Mail claims that Farrell will be revealed at a press conference in London next week.

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The 48-year-old, who led Ireland to the top of the international rankings and the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023, has been strongly linked with the Lions’ position.

Farrell’s hopes have not been hurt by Ireland’s quarterfinal defeat at the Rugby World Cup.

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Irish blessing

The Irish Rugby Football Union, with whom he recently inked a new contract, is willing to let their head coach to oversee the visit to Australia.

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“We’d be ecstatic if Andy was named coach of the Lions so hopefully that accolade is the next one for him and we’d be more than comfortable with how [we] deal with it,” IRFU performance director David Nucifora said.

“As far as the period of time he might be away from us, that’s still something I think can be discussed if this happens.”

Warren Gatland, who has overseen the last three tours in 2013, 2017, and 2021, will hand off the reins to Farrell, according to the buzz.

“I think Andy is an outstanding coach,” Nucifora added. “His man-management skills are second to none. His ability to get the best out of staff and players, the way he brings the group together, gets people on the same page but with the ability to constantly challenge people to improve and better themselves.

“I think that skill set, he’s obviously got the rugby intellect, but he also has the softer skills you need to be able to get the best out of people.

“That’s not easy to find someone who has that all-round set of skills that you need at this level of the game. So we’re very fortunate to have him.”