Farrell insists he’s had no contact with Lions as he shuffles pack

ANDY FARRELL has not ruled out joining up with the Lions for a third time next summer, but the Ireland coach insists he has had no contact from Warren Gatland about the tour.

The former England international’s coaching reputation has been partly forged by his work on the successful tour of Australia in 2013 and the drawn series in New Zealand in 2017.

However, his role as the head coach of Ireland may complicate his ability to link up with Gatland for a hat-trick of tours, with his own team due to tour the Pacific Islands in July.

And, while Leinster’s Stuart Lancaster has spoken to the Kiwi coach, Farrell says he has not been offered a position.

“I’m just concentrating on the job in hand,” he said after naming his side to face Italy.

“My priority is what I’m doing that’s best for Ireland, so no I haven’t even thought of it or had contact, or whatever. So we’ll get on with the job in hand and see what the future holds.”

The Lions yesterday confirmed they will take on Japan in a home fixture at Murrayfield on June 26 before jetting to South Africa for their eight-game tour. Gatland will be tuning in to Ireland’s six games in the next seven weeks and he’ll see some fresh faces at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Farrell hands Hugo Keenan and Will Connors their first caps, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Ed Byrne set to make their debuts off the bench, where they’ll be joined by experienced pair Peter O’Mahony and Robbie Henshaw who miss out.

“I think it’s dynamic,” he said of the side which will once again be captained by veteran Johnny Sexton.

“We can play in a range of ways. We want to play a high-tempo game but obviously Italy will have a say in that because they want to play a hightempo game as well.

“So we’re excited by the team. They can’t wait to get out there and let’s see what happens.”