Andy Farrell is now expected to join the British & Irish Lions tour in time for the Test series against the Springboks in light of Ireland’s tour to Fiji not going ahead. Ireland’s summer Tests were considered a priority for Farrell over the proposed Lions tour, both by the head coach himself and also the IRFU, all the more so as last summer’s proposed tour to Australia was cancelled. Farrell was the defence coach on the Lions’ tours to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017 under Gatland. He has also left the door ajar for Farrell to be added to the coaching ticket if possible. I haven’t been specific about a role but it’s something I want to have the possibility of being able to do if we feel there’s a need for it.”Farrell being co-opted onto the coaching ticket looks sure to happen now.

Source: The Irish Times June 02, 2021 04:52 UTC