I’LL GO FAR BY COPYING JOE
ANDY FARRELL insists his role as Ireland’s new boss will be the biggest challenge of his career.
The former dual-code England international will step up from assistant to head coach when current boss Joe Schmidt steps down after the autumn’s World Cup in Japan.
The 43-year-old has worked under Schmidt since 2016 amid Ireland’s rise to second in the world, following four years as England defence coach.
And when asked if replacing Schmidt will be his biggest challenge yet, Farrell replied: “Yes, 100 per cent.
“It’s something I’ve been working towards, something I’m up for and excited about.
“I’m proud and privileged to be asked to take over after such a brilliant coach like Joe. Fortunately enough I get a bit of time to keep on learning.
“It’s a massive honour to be given the opportunity because it’s a privilege to be involved with the group of people we’ve got, the players and the staff.
“I feel where we’re going BY RODDY DUNCAN in the future is a bright place as well.”
Schmidt has led Ireland to one Grand Slam, three Six Nations titles, Ireland’s maiden two victories over back-to-back world champions New Zealand and from eighth to second in the world rankings.
Farrell enjoyed a stellar playing career in league and union before making his coaching name at Saracens.
The British and Irish Lions coach lost his England job after the 2015 World Cup, when Stuart Lancaster’s side became the competition’s first host nation to be eliminated at the group stage.
But Farrell has flourished under Schmidt’s tutelage and feels he’s progressed enormously in the set-up.
Asked if he had any second thoughts about the role Farrell added: “No doubts whatsoever, it was a very easy decision.
“I’ve become a better coach under Joe. You’re learning all the time. You get to share ideas and we tend to give quite a lot of feedback. It shapes the way you think and learn.”