British & Irish Lions 2025: Andy Farrell to-do list for Australia
If Farrell is able to slowly select his team, his coaching ticket becomes slightly more pressing, with negotiations required between the Lions and various unions or clubs to secure a release from their contracts.
In theory, Farrell has a myriad of coaches to choose from as he looks to assemble a dream backroom team. The reality is a little different.
England manager Steve Borthwick – a key figure in 2017 and wanted by Gatland again in 2021 – is unavailable.
Gregor Townsend, who served as assistant coach in South Africa three years ago and was a Lions hero as a player, is expected to lead Scotland on their summer tour. Irish defense coach Simon Easterby will take over from Farrell.
Other big names are also touted.
Ronan O’Gara, a three-time visitor to the Lions with back-to-back wins as coach, would be a coup for Farrell but it’s hard to imagine him in the top 14 Sacked by La Rochelle at the end of the season.
Shaun Edwards is even less likely to be released by France, while Les Bleus will tour New Zealand next July.
As a result, Farrell’s squad will be largely drawn from players currently coaching in their home union.
Scotland defense coach Steve Tandy, England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth and exiled England coach Felix Jones, who will be a free agent next summer, are all is the main competitor.
The same goes for Ireland forwards coach O’Connell, who excelled on tours in 2005, 2009 and 2013. O’Connell was given the chance to coach last time out but lacked experience at the highest level, something that is no longer an issue four years later.
Aled Walters, Ireland’s other fitness guru, feels certain.
In January, Farrell will lead a Lions delegation on a scouting trip to Australia before embarking on his final scouting mission, the Six Nations.
But first he’ll need a few weeks to get involved, thanks to his home in Sandymount, a stone’s throw from the Lions headquarters in Ballsbridge, and says he won’t be rushing into making a decision Big decisions.
“Obviously some planning is needed,” he said.
“I’m going to give myself a little space to work through all these issues. If you get things done too early, you can’t undo them. So be patient, now I’m going to have some time to work through these issues.” Being able to see the path with hope The way it should be. “
