Andy Farrell has signed a new long-term contract to remain as Head Coach of the men’s Irish Rugby team until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The move is intended to head off interest from other countries around the world who will look at what he has achieved and see him as the perfect fit for their ambitions.
There is also the opportunity built in that he would be able to ‘double job’ by taking on the management of the British and Irish Lions were that offer to be made. Last week it was announced that the pre-tour international in 2025 will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin against Argentina.
Since assuming the Head Coach role in 2019, Farrell has guided Ireland to number one in the world rankings in a spell that included a Triple Crown, an inaugural series victory in New Zealand in 2022, and a Grand Slam title earlier this year.
Farrell was recently awarded the World Rugby Coach of the Year and this new deal will see him extend his association with the men’s national team to 11 years, having first joined the IRFU as an assistant coach in 2016.
“Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU,” said Farrell as the new deal was announced.
“It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.”
“There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the last number of Ireland Under-20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future. It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue.”
“Over the last four years, Andy has helped drive the highest standards for the men’s national team and it is a testament to the positive environment that he and his backroom team have fostered that Ireland has enjoyed such a sustained period of success in recent times,” added outgoing Head of High Performance David Nucifora.
“Andy is an ambitious and talented coach who continues to make an indelible mark on Irish rugby, and it is a significant coup to retain his services. I have no doubt that he will look to build in the years to come.”
“The IRFU is determined to attract and retain top-class coaching talent and we are delighted to announce Andy’s contract extension, which is a hugely positive boost for the game in Ireland,” concluded IRFU CEO Kevin Potts.
“Andy is a world-class coach and an inspirational leader of great talent and integrity who has already made a significant contribution to Irish rugby through his leadership of our men’s national team. We are extremely pleased that he has agreed to remain in Ireland.”
