Andy Farrell has hinted he would be interested in another stint as British & Irish Lions head coach, this time for the 2029 tour of New Zealand, following his side’s series victory over Australia. Despite a 22-12 defeat in the third Test that prevented a 3-0 sweep, Farrell did not sound like a man ready to step away from the role.
“Everyone knows what I think about this concept,” Farrell said. “I love everything that the Lions is about and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last eight weeks. There’s always ups and there’s always downs but the inner circle is a special place to be.” When asked if that meant he would be keen to coach the Lions again, Farrell smiled and told reporters to “read into that what you want”.
Farrell will now return to his role as Ireland head coach but paid tribute to the staff and players involved in what he called an “unbelievably special” series victory. He conceded the series ended on a “frustrating” note but acknowledged Australia deserved their win. “The best team won on the night today,” he said.
Player of the series Tadhg Beirne said the squad had already planned a reunion in Australia in 12 years. “It has been such an incredible journey, we have loved every single moment of it,” Beirne said. Captain Dan Sheehan, who took over after Maro Itoje failed a head injury assessment, expressed regret over the final result. “It’s gutting,” he told Sky Sports. “The aim of the tour was a 3-0 victory but fair play to the Wallabies.”
Farrell brushed aside suggestions the Lions missed a trick after a 38-minute lightning delay in the second half, with the Wallabies warming up for longer. Australia coach Joe Schmidt praised his side’s response, saying, “I tip my hat to what was a highly successful tour. But I couldn’t be prouder of the way the players rebounded.”
