Andy Farrell says he’s “loving life” as Ireland’s head coach and has no plans to consider a role with England after the Rugby World Cup.
The Lions boss was linked with a move back to Twickenham when Steve Borthwick was under fire last year and remains the
frontrunner to take over after the next World Cup.
Since taking charge in 2019, Farrell has led Ireland to the top of the world rankings, delivering a Triple Crown, a first-ever series win in New Zealand in 2022, and a Grand Slam earlier this year.
Andy Farrell has agreed to a long-term contract extension to remain as Ireland’s head coach through the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
"When you make a decision, you commit and that's it," said Farrell when previously asked last year about the possibility of leaving Ireland.
"And, you know, I'm very lucky that it wasn't just me that was committing, it was my wife and kids as well.
"Because whether you think it's a close flight or connected or whatever to the UK, it's still living abroad. It is a big move, you know, kids out of school.
"That type of commitment is something that I'll never forget from my family... I'm forever grateful."
He added: "We love it here. We're loving life here and the rugby's pretty good as well."
Farrell adding that his family loves living in Ireland and that he’s enjoying both life and rugby there — suggesting that, with his family settled, taking another job such as coaching England is no longer an obvious move.
There is little doubt that Farrell will be at the top of the Rugby Football Union’s wish list once the 2027 World Cup concludes, with his track record and leadership making him an obvious candidate to eventually take charge of England.
EDITORS PICKS:
Highest paid rugby players:
6. Siya Kolisi – £775,000
Club: Hollywoodbets Sharks (South Africa)
Country: South Africa
South Africa’s inspirational captain and two-time Rugby World Cup winner brings leadership, experience, and star power to Durban. Known for his tactical acumen, fierce work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure, he has become one of the most respected figures in world rugby.
Since joining the Sharks, he has been instrumental in mentoring younger players and driving the team’s performance on and off the field. He earns £775,000 annually and remains a central figure in South Africa’s rugby landscape, both domestically and internationally.
5. Maro Itoje – £800,000
Club: Saracens (England)
Country: England
A modern lock in every sense. Itoje blends relentless work rate with elite athleticism, lineout mastery, and breakdown menace.
One of England’s most influential forwards of the professional era, his value goes beyond stats — he’s a leader, disruptor, and big-game performer. A future overseas move could easily push him higher on this list.
4. Faf de Klerk – £900,000
Club: Yokohama Canon Eagles (Japan)
Country: South Africa
The ultimate livewire scrum-half. Faf brings chaos, intensity, and unmatched competitiveness to every ruck and breakdown. His box kicking, defensive edge, and leadership helped redefine the modern No. 9. A fan favourite wherever he plays, his move to Japan reflects both his marketability and enduring quality.
3. Cheslin Kolbe – £930,000
Club: Tokyo Sungoliath (Japan)
Country: South Africa
Electric. Elusive. Deadly in space. Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration make him one of the most feared backs in world rugby. A World Cup winner with Springbok DNA, he turns half-chances into highlights and commands one of Japan’s biggest contracts as a result.
2. Antoine Dupont – £1 million
Club: Toulouse
Country: France
The gold standard for modern rugby players. Dupont combines brute strength, elite speed, tactical intelligence, and outrageous skill. Whether at scrum-half or on the sevens circuit, he dominates games like few before him. Widely regarded as the best player on the planet — and paid accordingly.
1. Finn Russell – £1.2 million
Club: Bath Rugby (England)
Country: Scotland
Rugby’s ultimate maverick. Russell plays flat, fast, and fearless — capable of unlocking any defence with a pass nobody else sees. His move to Bath made him the world’s highest-paid player, and when he’s on song, few fly-halves can control a game like him. Pure box-office rugby.