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ANDY Farrell hopes to have greater clarity on a potential coaching role with the British and Irish Lions by the end of the month but insists his Ireland commitments will take precedence.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland is reported to be assembling a formidable coaching line-up for this summer’s series in South Africa, including Ireland boss Farrell and Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.
Uncertainty still surrounds that trip due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, while a possible Irish tour of the Pacific islands is also up in the air.
Farrell, whose immediate focus is on his side’s two remaining Guinness Six Nations games, was coy about the situation as he awaits further information.
“I am as updated as you are on all the different ramifications that are being bounced about from day to day,” said the 45-year-old, who was Lions defence coach on the 2013 tour of Australia.
“There’s nothing I know of that’s going on at this moment in time that gives any clarity on the situation whatsoever.
“We don’t know whether there is a Lions tour going on, we don’t know whether there is a southern tour going on with Ireland.
“I hear that hopefully by the end of the month we will know something more concrete.
“Like I’ve always said - and it’s the truth - I will always do the right thing for Irish rugby,” he added.
WASPS could welcome back three key players for tomorrow’s visit of Gloucester to the Ricoh Arena.
Lee Blackett’s side has suffered four defeats in their last five games including their last three at home.
The head coach has been without Thomas Young (concussion) and Lima Sopoaga (calf) for the past four games while Malakai Fekitoa sat out of the London Irish defeat last time out with a tight hamstring.
Focusing on his squad ahead of the round 12 Gallagher Premiership clash, Blackett said: “Thomas Young will have a chance this week.
“Malakai will also have a chance.
“Lima has an outside chance, he’s probably got more than an outside chance, I am probably playing that down a little bit.”
Wasps could have Paolo Odogwu available to them following England Rugby’s announcement to release some players who are short on game time, and Will Rowlands, who started against London Irish, is also available once more in this Six Nations fallow weekend.
Kieran Brookes serves the second game of his ban following his red card against Leicester Tigers and won’t be available again until the trip to another of his former clubs, Newcastle Falcons, in round 14.
Wasps are still without the following injured players: Biyi Alo (wrist), Alfie Barbeary (syndesmosis), Joe Launchbury (tibia stress fracture), Simon Mcintyre (calf), Ryan Mills (foot) and Marcus Watson (Achilles).
Sam Spink (foot) returned to training last weekend, Jack Owlett could be fit for this weekend while Sam Wolstenholme is nearing the end of his calf issue.
Another player who is certain to miss out is flanker Jack Willis, who suffered a serious knee injury playing for England against Italy in the Six Nations.
The 2019/20 Premiership player of the year shared a photo via social media last week following his operation at the Cromwell Hospital in London stating: “Done it once, I’ll do it again! Recovery starts now.”
He intends to create a documentary on his rehabilitation process, and, as a result, his club is remaining tight-lipped regarding updates on the player.
WORLD top-ranked Test batsman Kane Williamson can’t wait to taste the “fantastic atmosphere” at Edgbaston when New Zealand face England in Birmingham over five days in June.
A mouth-watering match is in prospect from June 10-14 as the Black Caps, the number one side in the world in Test cricket, prepare to tackle an England outfit who, under Joe Root, have their eyes very much on taking over that top spot.
New Zealand have an array of high-class batsmen, but Williamson will be the top scalp, and he knows from experience that, as well as England’s bowlers, his side will also have to deal with the worldrenowned passion of the Edgbaston crowd.
“It’s a fantastic atmosphere,” he said. “We have played some great games there over the years and it is a very special place.
“Whenever you play England there, it is a strong home crowd with a real buzz. It’s a big club and a brilliant ground with a fantastic atmosphere when it is packed out, whoever is playing.
“I remember playing Pakistan there in the World Cup and that was amazing. It will be brilliant for us to take on a very strong England team there.”
After all the difficulties of the last year, the 2021 season in England is being looked forward to perhaps more than any other.
For cricket-lovers in the Midlands, the late arrival in the calendar of an Edgbaston Test between arguably the best two sides in the world is the icing on the cake.
New Zealand will arrive on a roll and at the highest point in their history – and Williamson insists they will not be resting on their laurels. They intend to stay strong.
“This is a very exciting time for New Zealand cricket,” he said. “You try to put in strong performances and if that is reflected in the rankings then great, but this is not a time to dwell on that. It’s a time to grow and try to improve further.
“We know when we play England it is always extremely tough, and in their back yard it is an added challenge. We will prepare as well as we can and we know it will be a really exciting series.”