ANDY STAYING PUT
Boost for Ireland as Farrell turns down approach from RFU
IRELAND’S World Cup ambitions have been boosted by the news that defence coach Andy Farrell has rejected an approach to rejoin the England set-up.
Farrell was sacked by England two and a half years ago in the fallout from the host nation’s failure to get out of their pool at the 2015 World Cup.
The former rugby league star was snapped up by Ireland and has played a major role in the team’s recent success, which has seen Joe Schmidt’s men rise to second in the world rankings on the back of notable achievements including a first win over the All Blacks, winning the Grand Slam last spring and claiming a historic series win in Australia in June.
Having also received widespread acclaim for his contribution to the Lions drawing the series against New Zealand last year, the 43-yearold’s stock has never been higher and it has now emerged that England approached Farrell to reassume his old defence coach duties following the shock departure of Paul Gustard at the end of last season.
While the IRFU declined to comment when contacted by
Sportsmail last night, it is understood Ireland bosses are understandably delighted Farrell is staying put. The Englishman, who signed a contract extension in May securing his services until 2020, is seen as having a key role in the team’s progression to next year’s World Cup, where they will attempt to reach the semi-finals for the first time. England’s overtures represent a notable about-turn by head coach Eddie Jones, who dispensed with the services of Farrell and fellow assistant coaches Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt when he succeeded Stuart Lancaster in 2015, citing the need for a ‘fresh start’. Former New Zealand head coach John Mitchell is now expected to replace Gustard but is understood Farrell was England’s first choice and his decision to turn down their offer is a feather in the cap for the IRFU. Farrell is known to be highly respected by the players and his fellow management team and has been tipped as a potential successor to Schmidt as Ireland head coach when the Kiwi decides to move on. Following Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final exit at hands of Argentina in 2015, Farrell has overseen a more aggressive defensive philosophy.
With Lancaster now working under Leo Cullen at Leinster, it means two of England’s 2015 management team are playing influential roles in Irish rugby’s recent successes — with Leinster going into the new season as Pro14 and European Cup champions. Meanwhile, Jones is facing increased pressure after finishing fifth in the Six Nations, followed by a 2-1 series defeat in South Africa against a Springbok side in the midst of a period of transition under Rassie Erasmus. While Farrell’s commitment to Ireland ensures continuity of coaching, England are dealing with considerable backroom uncertainty 12 months out from the World Cup. Gustard’s decision to take over at Harlequins was a setback for Jones, who has also been searching for a long-term attack coach although Australian Scott Wisemantel has impressed on an interim basis.