Andy Farrell – The born leader tasked with putting the Lions back on top
'We are taking them boys to the hurt arena this weekend,' he told players in his role as an assistant to Warren Gatland.
'Our mentality is going to be a different mentality than what the British Lions teams have had over the last 16 years.'
🗣💪💥'We are taking them boys to the Hurt Arena this weekend'
How can you not feel the #MondayMotivation from this speech by Andy Farrell?#LionsRugby pic.twitter.com/gg3teoLKcB
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) March 8, 2021
The Lions subsequently romped to a 41-16 victory in Sydney and a first tour triumph since 1997.
Ahead of a reunion with the Wallabies, Farrell, who concedes his modern-day team talks are 'probably not as dramatic', is tasked with returning the team to winning ways.
A 1-1 series draw in New Zealand in 2017, for which he again joined Gatland's backroom staff, was followed by the Lions' 2-1 loss to South Africa amid Covid-19 restrictions in 2021.
Farrell's elevation to head coach – only the second Englishman to hold the role in the last 75 years, after Sir Clive Woodward in 2005 – was anything but a surprise.
The 2023 World Rugby coach of the year was odds-on favourite to land one of the sport's most prestigious posts after establishing Ireland as global heavyweights.
His true emergence as the outstanding candidate to succeed Gatland came in 2022 when he masterminded a stunning series success in New Zealand.
The historic achievement launched a 17-match winning streak which brought Six Nations Grand Slam glory, victory over each of rugby's leading Test sides and time at the top of the world rankings.
Defeat to the All Blacks in the World Cup quarter-finals in October 2023 finally halted the record-breaking run of victories.
Yet that disappointment did little to damage the rising stock of a born leader renowned for emotional intelligence, superb man-management skills, a shrewd rugby brain and an unflappable mentality.
Farrell bounced back to lead Ireland to a second successive Six Nations title in 2024 and a drawn summer series against world champions South Africa before embarking on his Lions sabbatical – a term he is not a fan of – after ending the autumn with victory over Joe Schmidt's Wallabies.
'It sounds like I'm going on holiday – and that's not the case, I can guarantee you that,' he said in November.
Born in Wigan in May 1975, dual code international Farrell represented his hometown club in rugby league with distinction.
A goal-kicking loose forward, he made his first-team debut in November 1991 at the age of 16 – two months after the birth of son Owen, the former England captain – and regularly lifted silverware, in addition to twice being named Man of Steel.
Farrell switched codes to play for Saracens in 2005 but the transition was severely hampered by foot surgery and back problems, including a prolapsed disc after a car crash.
Injuries limited him to just eight Test caps in rugby union and kept him sidelined for the latter stages of England's run to the 2007 World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to South Africa.
Farrell was later joined at Saracens by a teenage Owen and then remained with the Premiership club following retirement in 2009 to begin his coaching career before joining the England setup under Stuart Lancaster ahead of the 2012 Six Nations.
Four years later, the 50-year-old headed across the Irish Sea seeking to rebuild his reputation after being dismissed by newly-appointed England coach Eddie Jones in the aftermath of a dismal home World Cup.
Farrell, who initially served as Ireland's defence coach under Schmidt before stepping into the top job following the 2019 World Cup, has since given the RFU cause for regret.
Following a rocky transitional period amid the coronavirus pandemic, his vision of a slick system of short, swift interplay featuring multiple dummy runners and 'messy wingers' free to roam from the flanks clicked into gear in devastating fashion and to widespread acclaim.
An epic fixture schedule locked in! 🔒🦁#Lions2025 #WeGoBeyond pic.twitter.com/go6NNwY06f
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 5, 2025
His well-earned reward has been two contract extensions from the IRFU – initially until 2025 and then 2027 – and now an opportunity to lead the Lions.
'This means the world to me,' said Farrell when his appointment was announced in January last year.
'To be thought of as a candidate for the head coach's role is pretty special, but to be chosen is pretty magical.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Leah Williamson to use Arsenal inspiration with Lionesses after World Cup agony
Leah Williamson led England to success at the Euros in 2022, but the following year she missed out on a place at the World Cup after suffering a knee ligament injury There are plenty of reasons why Leah Williamson is 'hungry' for success when the women's Euros begin in Switzerland. Among them is the fact the Lionesses captain was forced to miss World Cup 2023 with a knee ligament injury. But top of the list is that the 28-year-old defender wants another taste of the unexpected glory she enjoyed with her club at the end of last season. Williamson was magnificent in Arsenal's Champions League final victory over Barcelona last month and that win has made her even more motivated going into the Euros. 'One of the greatest things about being an athlete is when you think you're done, you always have that extra part of yourself that you can tap into,' Williamson says. 'It's the same with winning. When you're winning, you want to bathe in that euphoria, but there's always something else coming. 'The best feeling in the world is being hungry for it and wanting to go again. Being reminded of winning the Champions League and what that felt like makes me feel like I can't wait for the next challenge. 'I kind of forget that we won the Champions League. It's in my head and I'll tap into that if needed.' The Champions League success was a special landmark in Williamson's career, having suffered a cruciate ligament rupture towards the end of the 2022-23 season that kept her out of the World Cup that year. And that cruel setback means Williamson will savour the upcoming Swiss adventure just that little bit more. She explains: 'Personally it's been a rocky period of time with the highest of the highs and lowest of the lows so I try to put that aside. I feel my age, if that makes any sense. I've definitely aged in the last couple of years, for good and bad reasons. 'I missed the last time (World Cup) and I'm very, very grateful to be here again.' Williamson, of course, led England to glory on home soil in Euro 2022 and admits the added expectation created by that triumph means there is a slightly different feeling around the England camp ahead of their tournament opener against France next Saturday. She says: 'Yes, it does feel slightly different. That was such a freeing environment in 2022. Sarina (Wiegman) had been in for a year, everything was really fresh and new, whereas this is a bit more about you needing to be able to discuss a bit and plan and pre-thought. 'But I see a group that's focused and wants to be better all the time. Everyone wants to work hard. Everyone has a good attitude towards the job. 'Playing for England in a tournament, there's nothing that compares. I'm very excited.' England's build-up to Euro 2025 has not been as smooth as Wiegman might have hoped, with goalkeeper Mary Earps announcing a shock retirement from international football and Chelsea defender Millie Bright pulling out of the tournament saying she was 'not able to give 100 percent mentally or physically.' Fran Kirby, who scored twice in England's successful Euro 2022 campaign, also announced she would no longer be available for selection. Williamson admits they will be missed but it says it is a setback the Lionesses can overcome. She says: 'It's tough going out there without the experience they offer but I respect all of them for the decisions they have made and we are a team on a mission. 'We will miss them but we are well-placed to fill that gap … in a different way. No-one will ever be able to do it like those three did it but we will figure it out.'
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Tomos Williams injury leaves Farrell's Lions facing race to fill scrum-half slot
The British & Irish Lions are weighing up their scrum-half options after an injury to Tomos Williams that threatens to sideline the Welshman at the busiest stage of the squad's Australian tour. The head coach, Andy Farrell, said a decision on calling up a replacement would be made on Sunday, with Scotland's Ben White among the leading contenders to replace Williams at No 9. Williams contributed two tries in a fine all-round performance as the Lions eased to a 54-7 victory over Western Force but tweaked his left hamstring while diving over the line for his second score. It leaves the Lions with only two fit scrum-halves, one of whom – Jamison Gibson-Park – has been managing a strained glute muscle. Farrell said Gibson-Park would be fit to face the Queensland Reds on Wednesday but the Lions will need some cover if Williams is ruled out even for a short period, with Alex Mitchell as the only available option in the position. White has just arrived in New Zealand, where Scotland are due to kick off their summer tour against the Maori All Blacks next Saturday, and could easily hop on a plane to Brisbane if required. For the moment, Farrell is still waiting to learn the severity of the injury to Williams, the Premiership's player of the season with Gloucester. 'There was plenty of cramp last week, let's hope it is one of those,' said Farrell. 'He was playing well and I am sure there is a bit of concern there, but you can only deal with the here and now so fingers crossed.' Farrell, however, is adamant that there is no danger of Gibson-Park sitting out the Reds game. 'Jamison is fit and ready to go and has been training fully for the best part of a week. We are happy with that but we will only know [about Williams] in the morning. 'I don't what the timings are of that, with the flights, but you have to let these things settle down and give it a little bit of space. There is always something that is going to happen you are not quite sure about, that is the nature of the tour. We need to make the right call for the group.' Sir James Wates CBE has been appointed chair of the Rugby Football Union board. He takes over the role from Sir Bill Beaumont, who was named chair on an interim basis in December last year following the resignation of Tom Ilube. Wates is currently a board director of the Wates Group, a privately-owned construction, development and property service company in the UK and served as chairman between 2013 and 2023. PA Media Of their opening game in Australia, Farrell declared himself moderately satisfied with the result in the wake of the Lions' defeat by Argentina in Dublin last week. 'I am happy with the scoreline and how we got to that point because it wasn't always going our way. We fixed things up and played some good rugby and scored some nice tries.' Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion He was pleased, too, with the performances of Mack Hansen and the youthful Henry Pollock, despite the latter being sent to the sin-bin just before half-time. 'He got a yellow card because of repeated infringements, which was fair enough, but you saw his point of difference, that is for sure. He is learning all the time and there is plenty to work on to make sure we are the team we want to be. He is part of that.' Pollock also received a positive review from the Lions' captain for the day, Dan Sheehan. 'I thought he was brilliant today,' the Ireland hooker said. 'He does his own thing, he plays his own way which is probably different to a lot of the forwards. I enjoy that kind of rugby: off the cuff, see what's in front of you and make it happen. With his skillset and speed he can certainly make it happen. 'It is just about trying to make sure he is doing the right thing for the team all the time. All these big games are massive for him, massive for all of us. He will just get better and better from here.'
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea 4 Benfica 1 (aet): Blues eventually reach Club World Cup quarters with extra-time blitz after TWO-HOUR delay
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHELSEA overcame the best efforts of Mother Nature and Malo Gusto to reach the last eight of the Club World Cup - in one of the most bizarre games to grace a major tournament. The Blues were four minutes away from victory when reports of lightning forced a weather delay of almost TWO HOURS. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Chelsea advanced to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup Credit: AFP 12 Reece James scored a clever free-kick to send the Blues through Credit: AFP 12 His quick thinking helped him get the better of Anatoliy Trubin and find the bottom corner 12 A storm saw Chelsea vs Benfica suspended with the players off the pitch for TWO HOURS When play resumed, hapless defender Gusto conceded a penalty which allowed Benfica to equalise with just 60 seconds left on the clock to force extra time. The Portuguese side then had a player sent off before Chelsea sub Christopher Nkunku stabbed home the scruffiest of goals to finally put his team into the last eight. But the game which kicked off at 4pm local time did not finish until 8.30pm. And Chelsea had to fly straight back to their Miami HQ immediately afterwards. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS GITT IT DONE Jamie Gittens having Chelsea medical TONIGHT as Blues agree £55.5m deal Reece James' classy goal had Chelsea on the brink of reaching the quarter finals only for the weather to intervene and transform a tepid match into a remarkable experience. Strict safety rules mean the players must come off the pitch and fans must leave their seats if lighting occurs within a ten mile radius of the ground. That was at 5.54pm local time and the game did not resumed until 7.47pm. A hold up of one hour and 53 minutes. Chelsea even posted pictures of their players keeping their tired legs warm by riding exercise bikes and playing keepy-uppy in the dressing room while waiting for the skies to clear. Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge Violent storms are normal in these parts at this time of year which means the same fate awaits games at the real World Cup next summer when 48 countries will be spread across the US. It's one thing to delay Chelsea v Benfica. Quite another to call a halt to Brazil versus France. Why Chelsea could sign Garnacho | Transfers Exposed WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN But amid all the drama Maresca's men only had to hold on for a few minutes to steer themselves into the last eight and a date with Brazilians Palmeiras - the team they beat to win the 2022 Club World Cup. But the delay clearly affected the Premier League side more than the Portuguese. Chelsea were already riding their luck when Benfica mounted one last attack with just two of the six added minutes remaining. Nicolas Otamendi headed across the area and Chelsea sub Gusto jumped to clear but the ball touched the back of his arm. The ref was sent to the monitor by VAR and after a brief debate awarded a penalty. Vastly experienced Argentina winger Angel di Maria calmly slotted home from the spot, sending his shot straight down the middle while Blues' keeper Robert Sanchez dived to his left. 12 VAR gave Benfica a penalty for Malo Gusto's unlucky handball after the restart Credit: Reuters 12 Angel Di Maria made no mistake from the spot to send it the game to extra-time Credit: Getty 12 It had got so close for Chelsea too. They had controlled the first 86 minutes of the game with ease before the bizarre set of events kicked in. Marc Cucurella, Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer had all gone close to scoring but they ended up paying for the missed chances by leaving Benfica in with a chance to get back in the game. James curled in a classy free kick in the 65th minute to put Chelsea one up and they looked like seeing it out. Gusto only came on in the 80th minute. The Frenchman was also guilty of a string of errors in Chelsea's Conference League Final win last month and was taken off by Maresca at half time. Benfica were reduced to ten men in extra time when sub Gianluca Prestianni was sent off for a second yellow card for a foul on Levi Colwill. 12 Players were removed from the playing surface in the 86th minute 12 Marc Cucurella protested the decision to evacuate With the opposition a man down, Chelsea slowly piled on the pressure and won it in the 108th minute when Cole Palmer broke free. He fed Moises Caicedo whose shot was only partially saved. Sub Nkunku pounced on the rebound but even that was blocked by defender Otamendi before the Frenchman got back on his feet and smashed home at the second attempt. Winger Pedro Neto made it 3-1 in the 114th minute and Kiernan-Dewsbury Hall added a fourth with four minutes left. Chelsea are edging closer to a last four all-Premier League meeting with Manchester City in the semi finals - in New York. 12 Christopher Nkunku scored Chelsea's crucial second goal in extra-time Credit: Getty 12 Pedro Neto made it safe with Chelsea's third against 10-man Benfica Credit: Getty 12 And Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put the cherry on top with another extra-time strike Credit: Getty
