Ireland boss Andy Farrell could depart for Six Nations rivals

Sunday, 20 July 2025 at 18:00

byRugby Rucker

Andy Farrell is arguably the most in-demand coach on the planet right now – only South Africa’s Rassie Erasmuscomes close.

So, it was no surprise that the British & Irish Lions came calling. And when they did, Farrell didn’t hesitate. The Ireland boss jumped at the chance to lead the famous touring side for the 2025 series against Australia.

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Farrell’s appointment was officially unveiled at the London HQ of Howden, the Lions’ Principal Partner, and it marks a major coup ahead of the highly anticipated three-Test showdown Down Under.

The 49-year-old was a unanimous choice by a panel stacked with Lions legends – CEO Ben Calveley chaired the selection, joined by Sir Ian McGeechan, 1997 tourist Nigel Redman, 2005 captain Brian O’Driscoll, and the Lions Chair.

And it’s easy to see why. Since taking charge of Ireland, Farrell has transformed them into a world-beating machine – delivering back-to-back Triple Crowns in 2022 and 2023, a Grand Slam in 2023, and another Six Nations title in 2024.

He also masterminded Ireland’s historic first-ever Test series win in New Zealand in 2022 – and followed it up with a win over Australia just months later. Under his watch, Ireland reached number one in the world rankings and became one of the most feared teams in Test rugby.

Before that, he cut his teeth as England’s assistant coach (2012–2015) under Stuart Lancaster, and previously worked with Saracens from 2010–2012.

A dual-code international, Farrell earned 34 caps for Great Britain and 11 for England in rugby league, playing in two World Cups, before switching to union and representing England eight times, including at RWC 2007. He also made 28 appearances for Saracens.

Currently contracted with Ireland until 2027, Farrell’s stock has never been higher – and the RFU are watching closely.

With Steve Borthwick set to step down after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, England are already lining up their next boss – and Farrell is reportedly their No.1 target.

The twist? The RFU have stated they want an Englishman at the helm – and with Farrell ticking that box, plus boasting a glittering résumé, he’s the obvious front-runner.

Shaun Edwards – the French defence mastermind – is also in the frame, but with no head coaching experience, he’s considered a wildcard.

Watch this space – the tug-of-war for Farrell is only just beginning

Three Lions stars who flopped agains the Wallabies

Here’s a breakdown of the three underperforming Lions players, their potential replacements, and why each should be dropped for the next Test based on current form and match impact.

#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 5/10 across all outlets
Errors: Two turnovers, poor under the high ball, responsible for Max Jorgensen’s try
Positives: Grew into the game slightly, some flashes of attacking promise

Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.

Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.

Final Verdict:

Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.

#2. Tommy Freeman – Wing

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 4–5/10
Errors: Kicks out on the full (twice), 4 turnovers, poor offloading
Positives: Early physical carry, effort in defense

Critique:
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.

Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.

Final Verdict:

Freeman should be dropped because his decision-making under pressure and basic handling let the team down. Van der Merwe is a more imposing and reliable threat in both attack and defense.

#3. James Lowe – Wing

Performance Summary:

Rating Consensus: 3–5/10 (lowest average rating of the three)
Errors: Kicked dead, dropped ball near try-line, overcooked kicks, turnover near tryline
Positives: One promising fend and inside ball (disallowed try)

Critique:
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.

Replacement: Mack Hansen
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.

Final Verdict:

Lowe must be dropped — his decision-making, handling, and lack of pace are liabilities. Mack Hansen brings more polish and unpredictability that could unlock Australia’s defense.

Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches

Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?

You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!

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