British and Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calveley has thrown the spotlight on Andy Farrell, suggesting his strong potential to lead the Lions once more for their 2029 tour in New Zealand. Farrell, a seasoned coach with a commendable track record from previous tours, has positioned himself as a top contender for this prestigious role.
Farrell's journey with the Lions includes significant roles as an assistant coach, contributing to a series victory in Australia in 2013 and a drawn series against the formidable All Blacks in 2017. Despite not being part of the 2021 South African tour, Farrell took the helm in 2025, leading the Lions to another victory against the Wallabies, albeit narrowly missing a clean sweep.
Calveley has expressed confidence in Farrell's capabilities, influenced by his historical performance with the team.
"He’s put himself in a really good place,"
Calveley remarked, emphasizing the importance of a proven track record in their selection process. However, he assured that the selection for the next head coach will be thorough and robust, hinting at a competitive evaluation ahead.
Post-Lions tour, Farrell is set to return to his role as Ireland's head coach, a position he will resume after a sabbatical following the 2024 Autumn Nations Cup. His contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union extends until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, securing his coaching presence in Irish rugby for the foreseeable future.
Amid discussions of future tours, Calveley also touched upon the Lions' commitment to traditional touring destinations, with no current plans to alter the longstanding rotation of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, he revealed potential enhancements to the touring schedule, including matches against non-traditional opponents like Japan or Fiji to invigorate the tour matches, which have faced criticism for lackluster engagement.
These strategic matches are seen as a way to foster relationships with emerging rugby nations while maintaining the integrity of the Test series, ensuring the Lions continue to embrace both tradition and innovation in their celebrated tours.
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British and Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calveley has thrown the spotlight on Andy Farrell, suggesting his strong potential to lead the Lions once more for their 2029 tour in New Zealand. Farrell, a seasoned coach with a commendable track record from previous tours, has positioned himself as a top contender for this prestigious role.
Farrell's journey with the Lions includes significant roles as an assistant coach, contributing to a series victory in Australia in 2013 and a drawn series against the formidable All Blacks in 2017. Despite not being part of the 2021 South African tour, Farrell took the helm in 2025, leading the Lions to another victory against the Wallabies, albeit narrowly missing a clean sweep.
Calveley has expressed confidence in Farrell's capabilities, influenced by his historical performance with the team.
"He’s put himself in a really good place,"
Calveley remarked, emphasizing the importance of a proven track record in their selection process. However, he assured that the selection for the next head coach will be thorough and robust, hinting at a competitive evaluation ahead.Post-Lions tour, Farrell is set to return to his role as Ireland's head coach, a position he will resume after a sabbatical following the 2024 Autumn Nations Cup. His contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union extends until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, securing his coaching presence in Irish rugby for the foreseeable future.
Amid discussions of future tours, Calveley also touched upon the Lions' commitment to traditional touring destinations, with no current plans to alter the longstanding rotation of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, he revealed potential enhancements to the touring schedule, including matches against non-traditional opponents like Japan or Fiji to invigorate the tour matches, which have faced criticism for lackluster engagement.
These strategic matches are seen as a way to foster relationships with emerging rugby nations while maintaining the integrity of the Test series, ensuring the Lions continue to embrace both tradition and innovation in their celebrated tours.