Andy Farrell ends Lions speculation and will lead Ireland to 2027 World Cup

Andy Farrell ended speculation linking him to the Lions head coach role on Thursday when he revealed that he will lead Ireland to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Farrell made the announcement on the same day that Rob Howley was appointed to Warren Gatland’s coaching staff for the Six Nations in his first involvement with Wales since being banned for breaching betting regulations.

Ireland’s head coach said: “Coaching [this team] has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU. It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and, as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.”

Farrell, who took up his present role in 2019, added: “There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the last number of Ireland Under-20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future.

“It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue.”

Ireland lost to New Zealand in the quarter-final of this year’s World Cup in France, having gone into the tournament ranked No 1 in the world. Farrell had previously led Ireland in the summer to a first-ever series win in New Zealand while they also won a grand slam earlier this year.

Howley, meanwhile, served as Wales’ attack coach from 2008 to 2019 in a period that included four Championship titles for the national side, three of them grand slams.

The former Lions scrum-half was forced to take a break from rugby prior to the 2019 World Cup when his betting activity came to light, resulting in an 18-month ban from the sport, half of which was suspended.

He has returned to the fold as a “technical” coach in a role that also sees him involved with the Wales Under-20 side before their Six Nations.

“It feels to me like the time is right and I’m really looking forward to returning to the fold with Wales,” Howley said. “I have a second opportunity to do a job I’ve dedicated my working life to and I’m grateful to everyone in Welsh rugby for their acceptance and their faith in me, it’s faith I intend to repay to the best of my ability.

“I have been through an extremely challenging time in my life. Speaking out and talking about it has enabled me to move forward.”

Jonathan Thomas’ departure as contact area coach created space in Gatland’s management team, allowing Howley to link up with fellow assistants Mike Forshaw, Jonathan Humphreys, Neil Jenkins and Alex King.