Warren Gatland Steps Down From British & Irish Lions, suggests replacement
British and Irish LionsTuesday, 31 October 2023 at 11:55
Warren Gatland has confirmed that he will not be the Head Coach of the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia. Gatland believes that it is now time for a new face in the role, and he backs Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell to take over his position.
Gatland confirmed his intentions to step away from the iconic touring side earlier today, via a self written column for the Telegraph.
The news has come amongst speculation that the Wales Head Coach would step down from his British & Irish Lions commitments, having been the side's Head Coach for the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours.
Gatland identified Andy Farrell as the next in line, and re-called in the colomn discussions he had with Wales Director of Rugby Nigel Walker, about stepping away from future Lions commitments.
Warren Gatland, Head Coach of Wales is interviewed during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Media Launch at County Hall, Lambeth, London on Monday 23rd January 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
"A few weeks ago, I was asked by Nigel Walker, Wales' director of rugby, if I was interested in putting my name forward to be head coach for the next tour in Australia in 2025."
"It did not take long to get back to him. I told him I was not going to put my name forward. I told Nigel that I would have no problem if any of my support staff were to be asked to be involved as I would see it as a great experience for them.
"But I think it is the opportunity now for someone else to be head coach and Andy Farrell would have my backing for the job.
"You cannot deny what Ireland have achieved as a nation over the last few years and you are starting to see the fruition of the alignment between the Irish provinces and the union. There is no doubt that Andy has done a fantastic job."
With Farrell as Head Coach, Ireland achieved their longest-ever run of consecutive victories and their first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2018. Ireland strung together 17 wins in a row before they were ultimately felled by New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. This record dates back to the 2022 Summer Tour, with the All Blacks starting and ending an incredible run of Irish form.
Andy Farrell, Head Coach of Ireland and Johnny Sexton, Captain of Ireland pose with the Guinness Six Nations trophy during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Media Launch at County Hall, Lambeth, London on Monday 23rd January 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Farrell built Ireland into the best team in the world, with the men from the Emerald Isle occupying the number one slot in the World Rugby rankings for a year and three months (July 2022 to October 2023).
Farrell was subsequently been named World Rugby Coach of the Year, with the awards ceremony taking place last Sunday in Paris. Gatland believes that Farrell should be judged on what he has achieved with Ireland, and that people should look past the Rugby World Cup quarter-final curse.
"Even though Ireland lost their quarter-final to New Zealand, it was an epic match and it could have gone either way. And that is sport. Everyone always just looks at results rather than what teams have achieved and the progress they have made.
"Andy has got really good man-management skills, has huge experience in the game as a professional from a young age in rugby league and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a person and as a coach."
Gatland is more than familiar with Farrell, and recognises how he has what it takes to lead the fabled 'Army of Red'. The duo began as British and Irish Lions coaching colleagues, before lining up on opposite touchlines for Six Nations clashes earlier this year.
"He was a key member of my Lions coaching teams on the tours of 2013 and 2017 and I wanted him again for the South Africa tour." Gatland said in his Telegraph column.
British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017British & Irish Lions Squad and Captain Announcement, Syon Park Hotel, London 19/4/2017Pictured at today's announcement (L-R) Neil Jenkins (kicking coach), Graham Rowntree (scrum coach), Steve Borthwick (forwards coach), Warren Gatland (head coach), Sam Warburton (captain), John Spencer (manager), Andy Farrell (defence coach) and Rob Howley (backs coach)Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
"Unfortunately I was told Ireland were not keen on releasing him because of the need to develop another fly-half behind Johnny Sexton - even though there was an opportunity for him to go to South Africa, who were in their World Cup pool, and get a close-up look at them over seven weeks.
"I passionately believe that all the home unions should make their coaches available for the Lions if asked. If nothing else it is a great opportunity to develop as a coach, share ideas and learn from each other."
Who could replace Steve Borthwick at Twickenham?
4. Rob Baxter - 12/1
Rob Baxter, who guided the Devon-based club from the Championship to European champions in 10 years has done this largely with a core of players that have come through the academy at Exeter.
With this season's club performance not at the level of previous years, it may be time for him to move on and into the Test game in the near futuree.
Although Baxter joined the England coaching team for the summer tour to Argentina and Uruguay in March 2013, he has no experience outside of Exeter. "I would be happy to have a chat about what the role is, how they see it working and what their plans and ambitions are," Baxter said of the England job back in December.
"Unless you know what it is, it's hard to say yes or no to anything. At the same time, I'm not looking for another job! I'm very happy here," he added.
Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby of Exeter Chiefs looks dejected after losing during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on 20 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
3. Andy Farrell - 10/1
Despite having signed a contract extension until 2025, Andy Farrell would likely be at the top of the list for the RFU if they were to make another coaching change, regardless of how well Ireland performs during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Currently, one of the coaches England would be most interested in having is Farrell, who is achieving impressive results and playing styles across the Irish Sea.
However, whether or not Farrell would want to return to the RFU, where he was previously the defence coach between 2011 and 2015 under Stuart Lancaster - who is currently working in Ireland with Leinster - and left under a cloud after England's disappointing 2015 home World Cup, is another matter altogether.
Andy Farrell, Head Coach of Ireland is interviewed during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Media Launch at County Hall, Lambeth, London on Monday 23rd January 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Ronan O'Gara - 6/1
The La Rochelle coach was seen as one of the front-runners to replace Eddie Jones when he was sacked in December.
O’Gara has previously said he would be interested in the job because of the calibre of players available, but when linked to the job he admitted it would be a 'big leap'.
"There’s a lot to that, being the head man it’s very much your vision. Even two people who are very aligned sometimes don’t have the same vision.
“Then again, titles don’t really interest me too much and it’s just what role Scott would like to do, I would like to do and how you share responsibility.
“Even before that, it’s a big mental leap for me to decide upon.
“I wouldn’t have given that the time required, at the minute all I’ve said is that I wouldn’t rule it out, but if you were to commit to something like that I’d have to sit down with my family and work it out."
1. Stuart Lancaster was 4/1, now 2/1
The former England boss, who has seen his reputation go through the roof since the disastrous 2015 World Cup, will leave Leinster to become director of rugby at French club Racing 92 at the end of this season.
Lancaster has been Irish province's senior coach since 2016, working under head coach Leo Cullen, while he spent four years as England boss before stepping down after in 2015.
During his time with Leinster, the Irish province won the Heineken Champions Cup in 2018 and four PRO14 titles.
The former England boss revealed he could be interested in a return to England.
“If you ask my wife, she might question my sanity if I said yes. There are probably other parts of the world I would love to coach in as well. The southern hemisphere would be a big challenge for me. I’d love to go and coach in Super Rugby in some way shape or form or international rugby down in the southern hemisphere.
“So, you’d never say never but I think it’s not top of the list and certainly, I think Steve Borthwick will keep the job until 2027. I’m committed here (at Racing) until 2027 so let’s see.
“I don’t think you should never say never. I don’t think you should ever be so hurt or so damaged that you could never go back somewhere. If the political will is there and the time is right, I’d hate to be so hurt or angry about certain things that would stop me from doing certain things. I don’t want to be that kind of person.”
Will Greenwood believes Lancaster deserves to have a second crack at the England job one day.
“I honestly believe he would be better a second time around," said Greenwood.
“Failure is a vital part of success. Sir Clive Woodward probably would have lost his job in today’s climate after what happened in 1999 but he came back to win four years later. Graham Henry won the 2011 World Cup after being given another chance.
“Would Stuart want to come back? That is another question entirely.
“I haven’t asked him but I suspect the answer is yes. Stuart may be unassuming and softly-spoken but he is also a competitive animal. And a proud man.
“I say this as a friend but he always looks good, if you know what I mean. He is a bloke who looks after himself physically. And he backs himself.”
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