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Andy Farrell has signed a new deal to remain as Ireland’s head coach until 2031, removing any chance of England luring him back to Twickenham after next year’s Rugby World Cup. Instead, Farrell has opted to stay put in Dublin and will now preside over Ireland’s next two World Cup campaigns.
Farrell, who led the British & Irish Lions to a series win in Australia last year, has steered Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a grand slam in 2023, and a historic Test series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand since replacing Joe Schmidt in late 2019. His latest five-year deal puts an abrupt end to speculation about a possible return to English rugby.
The Irish Rugby Football Union is clearly thrilled to have retained its man, with the chief executive, Kevin Potts, hailing the announcement as “a hugely positive step for Irish rugby” as a whole. “We are delighted to secure Andy through to 2031,” said Potts. “He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world.
“His impact reaches far beyond what we see on the pitch: he has instilled a deep sense of pride, connection, inspiration and belief across Irish rugby, creating a culture that truly unites players and supporters and one that Irish fans at home and across the globe feel incredibly proud to stand behind.”
Farrell’s coaching future had become the subject of some discussion after autumn defeats by New Zealand and South Africa, the world champions, and a sub-par opening Six Nations loss to France in Paris. Subsequent victories over Italy, England, Wales and Scotland, however, secured a triple crown and Ireland ended up finishing second in the table.
“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish rugby,” said Farrell. “It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff, and to represent the supporters whose passion and unwavering support drive this team forward and inspire us every time we take the field.
“What excites me most is … the quality of talent coming through. There is a real confidence in the system that has been built across the provinces and age-grade programmes, and I believe with sustained effort that the best is yet to come.”
Farrell’s decision will also force the RFU to look elsewhere should they opt not to extend Steve Borthwick’s tenure beyond the end of next year. Farrell could have been a potential option but that avenue has now been blocked. It also remains to be seen where Farrell’s former Wigan teammate Shaun Edwards will end up, with France soon to confirm the departure of the highly-respected former Wales and Wasps defence coach.
England, meanwhile, face an anxious wait to see if Manny Feyi-Waboso will be fit for their summer tour games. The in-form winger has undergone surgery on his jaw and will be absent for Exeter’s remaining games including this weekend’s crucial final regular season fixture against Saracens.
Feyi-Waboso and his teammate Greg Fisilau both suffered facial injuries in the victory over Leicester last Sunday and, following scans, a decision was made in partnership with England for Feyi-Waboso to undergo surgery.
It is a major blow for the Chiefs, who need to win or draw against Sarries to book their playoff place, and for Borthwick who was without Feyi-Waboso for the Six Nations because of a strained hamstring. England’s medical staff, however, are understood to be optimistic the 23-year-old could still be available for the opening Test of the Nations Championship against South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July.
The Bath centre Louie Hennessey, meanwhile, will miss all of Wales’s July Tests after damaging a shoulder in his club’s Champions Cup semi-final defeat in Bordeaux.
