Andy Farrell appointed as new British and Irish Lions head coach for upcoming 2025 tour in Australia

Andy Farrell has been named as the British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2025 tour in Australia, it was announced on Thursday.

Farrell will succeed former Lions coach Warren Gatland, who stepped down from the role in October 2023.

The 48-year-old has enjoyed previous success with the Lions as a defence coach during the 2013 and 2017 Lions tours to Australia and New Zealand, respectively.

The Lions managed to record a series win during the 2013 Australian tour, while they drew the series in New Zealand four years later.

“It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to be named Head Coach of The British and Irish Lions," Farrell said in a statement.

"I know how special Lions Tours are having been involved in the 2013 and 2017 Tours, so I am delighted to get the chance to lead the team in 2025.”

“There is a wealth of talent across Britain and Ireland, and I am looking forward to building a team that can deliver the ultimate goal of success in Australia.

"I also want to thank the Irish Rugby Football Union for their support in allowing me to accept this prestigious opportunity.”

Farrell will begin his new role with the Lions in December of this year and will confirm his coaching staff in due course.

The Wigan Warriors legend has been in charge of Ireland for the last four years and has enjoyed success in his role.

He guided the Irish team to a Six Nations Triple Crown in 2022 and followed that up with a Six Nations Grand Slam the following year.

Ireland also secured a famous series win in New Zealand under Farrell's guidance, while also being ranked as the world No. 1 due to a 17-Test winning run.

“Andy is without question one of the best coaches in the world and knows what it takes to win a Series in Australia given his involvement in the Series win in 2013," said British and Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley.

"His achievements with Ireland in recent years have been exceptional and his coaching experience at test-match level with Ireland, England and The British & Irish Lions make him an outstanding candidate for this role.

“Andy is an excellent appointment for us and one which we believe will excite players and fans alike. It is clear to see that Andy has built a very strong connection between the Irish team and its fans and we are relishing a similarly strong connection being created with Lions fans in 2025.

"We firmly believe his appointment puts us in a great position to achieve success on the field and I’m looking forward to working alongside him as we build towards the Tour.

“I’d also like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Irish Rugby Football Union and its CEO Kevin Potts for their support in facilitating Andy coming on board as Head Coach.”

Ireland were one of the favourites heading into last year's World Cup but slipped to a crushing 28-24 defeat against New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

“What Andy has accomplished with our Men’s National Team has been exceptional," said Kevin Potts, CEO at the Irish Rugby Football Union.

"His leadership, passion and drive for the game will be a huge asset to The British and Irish Lions and we are looking forward to supporting him as he takes on this challenge.”

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