Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension that will see him remain as the head coach of Ireland until after the 2031 World Cup.
His current contract expires after the 2027 World Cup, but the extension will see the 2025 Lions Head Coach remain in charge for another four years.
Farrell first started with Ireland in 2016 as defence coach and if he remains until the end of his new contract would see 15 years the Irish team. He took charge of the side as head coach after the 2019 World Cup.
Farrell on the privilege
Speaking to the media on the announcement Farell said, “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.”
Media rumours were sparked by an offer from the Saracens during the Six Nations.
There were concerns about regeneration of the squad after a 2023 World Cup which saw Ireland enter as World Number One, but fall at the infamous quarterfinal stage again. Farrell is excited for the future and explained, “What excites me most is the increasing strength and investment in pathways and 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.”
The overall system has seen massive changes since David Humphreys took charge of the IRFU, with changes to the central contract system hoping to make a greater balance between provinces.
The evidence for the importance of this was clear as the squad saw major improvements with strong performances of Ulster players Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune.
