IRFU reveals decision on Andy Farrell's coaching future
SPOTLIGHT: A big decision has been made on Andy Farrell’s coaching future with Ireland
In a statement on Friday, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) revealed that the head coach has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain in his position until at least August 2025.
The news comes after there were reports from certain sections of the media that Farrell might be the frontrunner for the England job when Eddie Jones completes his tenure after next year’s World Cup.
Farrell’s stock has risen significantly in the last few weeks after he guided Ireland to a historic 2-1 series victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand.
“I am delighted to confirm that Andy Farrell has accepted a two-year contract extension as the head coach of our men’s international team which will keep him at the helm of that team until at least August 2025, and there is an option to extend the contract further, based on a number of mutually agreed performance markers,” said IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts.
“Andy is one of the finest coaches in the world, he has brought our game to new heights and has the team playing a brand of rugby that excites, entertains, and engages people, while, critically, producing winning results.
“I would like to thank our Performance Director, David Nucifora, for his work in negotiating this extension with Andy.
“I, on behalf of all the Union delegates and Irish Rugby fans across the world, thank Andy for the exceptional impact he has had on Ireland’s performances to date, as we look forward to the year ahead, which will of course include the Rugby World Cup in France.”
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Commenting on the new deal, Farrell said: “I am happy to extend my contract with Irish Rugby for a further two years. As a group we have made it clear that we are building towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and we have taken some decent strides in that regard in recent months.
“Ahead of the tour to New Zealand, myself and David [Nucifora] looked at the opportunities and challenges facing the national squad after the tournament in France. I am excited about continuing to work with the group and with the next generation of Irish international players.”
Meanwhile, Nucifora added: “Andy is one of the outstanding coaches in world rugby and his work in leading the transition within the national team since the 2019 Rugby World Cup has been exceptional. Ireland are currently the number one ranked team in the world, an incredibly tough five-match tour of New Zealand was a success on several levels and a Triple Crown was secured in the 2022 Six Nations Championship.
“A coach of Andy’s calibre is always going to be in high demand, and we are delighted that he has agreed to extend his contract with the IRFU. his new deal, agreed prior to the Tour of New Zealand, allows us to plan beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup with the certainty that one of the top coaching talents in the game is spearheading the national programme.”
