‘3-0 series win incoming’ – Bullish British and Irish Lions predictions after Andy Farrell appointed head coach

The appointment of Andy Farrell as the British and Irish Lions head coach has been greeted positively by onlookers.

The Ireland head coach will take charge of the touring side during the 2025 series in Australia, taking over from Warren Gatland, who held the role in 2013, 2017 and 2021.

Farrell has prior experience of the Lions having worked under Gatland in ‘13 and ‘17 when they faced Australia and New Zealand respectively, but this is his first time as the main man.

The 48-year-old will look to repeat their previous triumph from nine years ago against the Wallabies when they once again head down under in 2025.

Farrell’s delight

Farrell was the obvious candidate after playing a key role in Ireland’s rise and the former England defence guru said that being selected meant “the world to me.”

He added: “To be thought of as a candidate for the head coach’s role is pretty special but to be chosen is pretty magical.

“Being on a couple of Lions tours already gives me the feel of what it’s all about. For me to be chosen as the head coach is beyond words, to be honest.

“The support that the IRFU have given me, Kevin Potts and David Nucifora and everyone concerned with the IRFU have helped this dream come true.

“I’ll balance the two roles by making sure I give both roles the right attention that both roles deserve. I wouldn’t take on this role unless I could do both roles to the best of my ability.

“Therefore, I’m very grateful to the IRFU for this opportunity.”

The reaction to the selection of Farrell has been overwhelmingly positive, with Lions fans very much confident of overturning Australia next year.

“3-0 series win incoming,” one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Australia’s struggles

Part of that conviction comes from the struggles that Australia have endured over the past few years.

They recorded their worst-ever Rugby World Cup result in France and saw Eddie Jones depart as head coach, just 10 months into a five-year contract.

Cardiff Rugby Life wrote: “Can’t fault that to be fair, although I’m 90% sure I could lead the Lions to a series win in Australia given the turmoil down there at the moment.”

Meanwhile, journalist and broadcaster Nick Heath added: “Congrats to Farrell. Concern being if it will be the walkiest over of walkover Test series in recent memory.

“Wallabies in dire need to shape up in time for the Lions arriving in 17 months’ time.”

There was also a debate over who could join Farrell as his assistants, with France coach Shaun Edwards a favourite of the supporters.

“Hope he brings in Shaun Edwards as defence coach. That’d be a hell of a duo,” one person wrote, while another added: “Add (Gregor) Townsend as backs coach and Edwards as defence coach. That would be quite formidable.”

READ MORE: Andy Farrell: Five things to know about the new British and Irish Lions head coach