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Andy Farrell
Andy Farrell
Andy Farrell
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Andrew David Farrell (born 30 May 1975) is an English professional rugby union coach and former rugby league and rugby union player. Farrell has been head coach of the Ireland national rugby union team since 2019.

Key Information

Farrell earned 34 caps for Great Britain and 11 for England in rugby league, including the 1995 and 2000 World Cups, and 8 for England in rugby union, including the 2007 World Cup.

He was a goal-kicking loose forward in rugby league, who played for Wigan between 1991 and 2004, winning six Championships and four Challenge Cups, as well as the Man of Steel award twice. He frequently captained Wigan, England and Great Britain. In rugby union, he played for Saracens from 2005 to 2009, mostly as a centre.

After retiring as a player, Farrell continued in rugby union as a coach, working as an assistant coach with Saracens, Munster, England, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. He became head coach of Ireland in 2019. He coached them to a 2–1 series victory in New Zealand in 2022 and two consecutive Six Nations Championships wins in 2023 and 2024, including a Grand Slam in 2023.

In January 2024, Farrell was appointed coach of the British & Irish Lions for their tour of Australia in 2025. The Lions won the test series 2–1.

Early life

[edit]

Farrell was born in Wigan, Lancashire. His father played rugby league.[3] Farrell first played rugby league at age 10 at a summer camp run by Graeme West, who was Wigan captain at the time.[4]

Playing career

[edit]

Rugby league

[edit]

1990s

[edit]

After developing with local club Orrell St James, he made his first-team début for his hometown club Wigan at the age of 16[5] in 32–8 victory over Keighley in the 1991–92 Regal Trophy match at Central Park, Wigan on Sunday 24 November 1991. Also that year his son Owen Farrell was born, who also went on to become a professional rugby union player.

Farrell became the youngest player to win a Challenge Cup final in 1993 when at 17 years and 11 months he came on as a substitute against Widnes.[6] He then became a full international by the age of 18, making his début for Great Britain against New Zealand (the Kiwis) during their 1993 tour.

After the 1993–94 Rugby Football League season, during which he scored a try in Wigan's Challenge Cup Final victory, Farrell travelled with his club to Brisbane and played as a second-row in their 1994 World Club Challenge victory over Australian premiers, the Brisbane Broncos. He rates this as one of his greatest achievements in rugby league.[7] Farrell was selected to play for Great Britain against Australia in all three Ashes tests of the 1994 Kangaroo tour. The following year he played from the bench for Wigan in the 1995 Challenge Cup Final victory over Leeds Rhinos. At the end of the season he played as a loose forward for England in the 1995 World Cup Final, but Australia won the match and retained the cup.

In July 1996, Farrell was appointed Wigan Warriors' captain and later that year, aged 21 years and four months, became the youngest-ever captain of the Great Britain team, leading the 1996 Lions tour of New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. In October that year he won the prestigious Man of Steel Award. He was also named at loose forward in 1996's Super League Dream Team. On 28 September 1997 in the 1997 Super League Premiership Final, Farrell played at loose forward in Wigan's 33–20 win over St. Helens at Old Trafford before a crowd of 33,389. He was awarded the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match.[8] In the 1997 post-season, Farrell was selected to captain Great Britain at stand-off in all three matches of the Super League Test series against Australia. He captained the Wigan Warriors as a second-row in their 1998 Super League Grand Final victory over Leeds Rhinos.

2000s

[edit]

Farrell played for the Wigan Warriors at loose forward, scoring a try and kicking two goals, in their 2000 Super League Grand Final defeat by St. Helens. In the post-season he was selected to captain England in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. In 2001 Farrell set the Wigan club record for most points in a season with 429 and most points in a Super League championship season with 388.[9] He is only the second Wigan Warriors player to score more than 3,000 points in all competitions. Farrell played for Wigan at loose forward in their 2001 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Bradford Bulls. He celebrated his testimonial match in 2002 and also captained Wigan to victory in the 2002 Challenge Cup.

Farrell played for Wigan at loose forward and kicked two goals in the 2003 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Bradford Bulls. He was inducted into the Order of the British Empire for services to the game in the New Year's list of 2004. He won the Players' Player Award and twice won the Man of Steel Award. Now Britain's oldest international, Farrell was selected in the Great Britain team to compete in the end-of-season 2004 Rugby League Tri-Nations tournament. In the final against Australia he played at second-row, missing his only goal-kick in the Lions' 4–44 loss. Farrell was awarded the Golden Boot as the best player in the world in 2004.[10] He retired while second on the list of the England rugby league side's all-time top goal scorers (behind George Fairbairn), with 78 points.

Rugby union

[edit]

On 24 March 2005, Farrell announced his retirement from rugby league in order to play at Saracens and the Rugby Football Union. A series of injuries and accidents (including a car crash) meant that his début in the 15-man code was delayed until 2006.[11][12] He finally made a try-scoring début for Saracens reserves on 11 September 2006.[13] Farrell then made his first-team début against Newcastle Falcons on 17 September 2006 as a replacement. On both occasions, he played as blind-side flanker. A row then broke out about his best position: the England management suggested he should be playing in the centre, while Saracens continued to play him as a flanker.[14] However Farrell went on to play primarily at centre for the Saracens first team, and again when selected to play for a World XV against South Africa. He was selected as a part of the England Elite squad for the 2007 Six Nations by new coach Brian Ashton. He was seen by some to be the main contender for the starting inside centre position, after England's problems in that position during the 2006 autumn internationals.

Farrell made his England début at Twickenham after he was named at inside centre in the first Six Nations game against Scotland. The 2007 World Cup saw Farrell starting at inside centre against South Africa, in England's chastening group stage defeat.[15] He was then brought on as a replacement against Tonga, and scored his first England try. However, after being picked for the quarter-final decider against Australia he had to withdraw with a calf injury. Unfortunately, he never produced the performances for the England union side for which many had hoped, and ultimately he won only eight caps. In January 2008 Farrell was joined at Saracens by his 16-year-old son Owen Farrell, who signed a three-year academy deal with the club. In August 2008 Farrell was named co-captain for the 2008–09 season along with Steve Borthwick. There were rumours of Farrell returning to rugby league and rejoining Wigan Warriors after it emerged that Saracens head coach Eddie Jones had become unhappy with the direction his club was taking. It was rumoured that Jones and Farrell could be moving up north, with the Warriors becoming increasingly impatient with out-of-favour Brian Noble, especially after their poor start to the season; however this proved to be unfounded, with the Warriors instead hiring Melbourne Storm assistant coach Michael Maguire. In April 2009 Farrell announced his retirement and said he was taking up a coaching role with Saracens at the end of the season.

Coaching career

[edit]

Saracens and England

[edit]

Farrell was promoted to Saracens first-team coach at the end of 2010 after impressing as skills coach. The RFU announced[16] on 8 December 2011 that both he and Graham Rowntree were to join the national coaching team, led by Stuart Lancaster, for the 2012 Six Nations. After the successful campaign Farrell was given the chance to become a permanent part of the England coaching team; he initially decided to return to Saracens,[17] but soon left the London club and joined England on a three-and-a-half-year contract.[18][19] Farrell toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 as defence coach.

Following the resignation of Stuart Lancaster on 11 November 2015, new head coach Eddie Jones sacked Farrell and the rest of the coaching team on 15 December 2015.[20]

Munster

[edit]

On 6 January 2016, it was announced that Farrell would take up the role of Ireland defence coach after the completion of the 2016 Six Nations Championship. As his previous contract with England prevented him from working with an international team until April 2016, Farrell joined Irish province Munster in January 2016 in a temporary advisor role that was to last for four months.[21]

Ireland

[edit]

On 26 November 2018, it was announced that Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt would step down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup with Farrell taking over as head coach.[22] His first game in charge was against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on 1 February 2020 in the 2020 Six Nations Championship Ireland won this game 19-12 and went on to finish in third place in the delayed Six Nations Championship.[23][24] Ireland finished in third place again in the 2021 Six Nations Championship, losing games against Wales and France. On 13 November 2021, in the Autumn internationals, Ireland defeated New Zealand 29–20.[25]

Ireland won 29–7 against Wales in their opening fixture of the 2022 Six Nations Championship on 5 February,[26] before losing 30–24 defeat away to France on 12 February.[27] They won the next game 57–6 against Italy on 27 February,[28] before a 32–15 away win against England on 12 March.[29] A 26–5 win at home against Scotland on 19 March was enough to secure the Triple Crown for Ireland and a second-place finish in the championship.[30] On 9 July 2022, Ireland had a historic win in New Zealand, beating the All Blacks 23–12 in Dunedin in the second match of the 2022 New Zealand tour, their first ever victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand. A week later, they won again in Wellington, beating the All Blacks 32–22 to win the series.[31] Following that victory Ireland became the world number one team for the second time.[32]

In the 2023 Six Nations Championship, Ireland defeated Wales in their opening game on 4 February, and went on to defeat France, Italy, and Scotland before beating England 29-16 on 18 March to win the Championship, triple crown, and the grand slam.[33][34][35][36][37]

In August 2023, Farrell announced his squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. At the World Cup, Ireland won pool B making it to the quarterfinals, but lost 24-28 to New Zealand.[38][39] Due in part to Farrell managing Ireland to a Grand Slam and a strong performance in the World Cup, Farrell was awarded World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2023.[40] On 14 December 2023, Farrell signed a new four-year contract to remain as Ireland head coach until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.[41]

Ireland under Farrell won the 2024 Six Nations Championship, beating all nations except England. Following the conclusion of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, a 22-19 win for Ireland over Australia, he began his sabbatical from the Ireland team to begin his work with the British & Irish Lions. Simon Easterby assumed coach duties for Ireland in his absence.[42]

British & Irish Lions

[edit]

Farrell was an assistant coach to Warren Gatland on the 2013 Lions tour to Australia, when the Lions won the series 2-1. He was also an assistant coach on the Lions' 2017 tour to New Zealand, when the series was drawn 1-1. In January 2024, Farrell was announced as head coach for the 2025 tour to Australia. After losing to Argentina in a pre-tour match in Dublin, the Lions won all their matches in Australia, except the third test. They won the test series 2–1.[43][44]

Personal life

[edit]

Farrell married Colleen O’Loughlin, the sister of his future Wigan teammate Sean O’Loughlin, in 1995 and has four children, including England rugby union player Owen Farrell.[45] Both Farrell and his wife are of Irish descent.[46]

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 22 November 2025
Team Nation From To Record
G W D L F A PD Win %
Ireland Ireland 25 October 2019 Present 65 51 0 14 2,044 1,071 +973 78.46
Total 65 51 0 14 2,044 1,071 +973 78.46

Honours

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Rugby league

[edit]

As player

[edit]

Great Britain / England

Wigan

Individual

Rugby union

[edit]

As player

[edit]

England

As coach

[edit]

British & Irish Lions

Ireland

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Andy Farrell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Andy Farrell (born 30 May 1975) is an English professional coach and former dual-code international rugby player, renowned for his transition from stardom to leading successes in union coaching. As of the since 2020, he has guided the side to the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam, the , two Triple Crowns in 2022 and 2023, a historic 2–0 test series victory over in 2022, a world number one ranking (achieved in 2022), and the Coach of the Year award in 2023. In January 2024, Farrell was appointed of the for their 2025 tour of , leading them to a 2–1 series victory, building on his prior experience as defence coach for the Lions' victorious 2013 series against . Born in Wigan, Greater Manchester, Farrell rose through the ranks of rugby league as a prodigy, making his professional debut for hometown club Wigan Warriors at age 16 in 1991 and becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Challenge Cup at 17 the following year. Over a distinguished league career spanning 370 appearances for Wigan—where he scored more than 3,000 points—he earned 11 caps for England and 34 for Great Britain, captaining the latter side from age 21 in a record 29 Tests. In 2005, at age 30, Farrell switched codes to , signing with Saracens and earning eight caps for , including three appearances at the . Retiring as a player in 2008 due to injury, he quickly transitioned to coaching, beginning as a skills and defence coach at Saracens before joining the setup as assistant coach under Stuart Lancaster from 2011 to 2015. Farrell served as defence coach for the on their 2013 tour of —helping secure a 2–1 series win—and the 2017 tour of . Farrell joined the Ireland coaching staff as assistant coach in 2016 under Joe Schmidt, contributing to the team's 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam and the 2019 quarter-final run, before succeeding Schmidt as head coach in late 2019. His leadership has emphasized a high-tempo, expansive style, fostering a new generation of Irish talent while drawing on his dual-code expertise to build defensive resilience and attacking flair.

Background

Early life

Andy Farrell was born on 30 May 1975 in , , . Raised in the town's area, he grew up immersed in the intense culture that defined during the late and early 1990s, a period when the local club dominated the sport domestically and internationally. From a young age, Farrell showed promise in the sport, though his introduction to it was reluctant. At nine years old, he attended a under-10 summer camp run by the club, where he first played despite initial hesitation—he even wore a football jersey in protest during his debut session. He soon progressed through local junior ranks, playing for Orrell St James, a community club in that served as a key feeder for professional pathways. This early involvement honed his skills amid the cut-throat rivalries of , including fierce local contests against teams from and St Helens. Farrell attended school in Wigan but left at age 16 to focus fully on rugby, taking up an apprenticeship as a carpenter with Wigan Council while training with the professionals. After leaving school, Farrell became a father at 16 with the birth of his son Owen, which further motivated his dedication to rugby. This transition marked the end of his formal education and the beginning of his immersion in elite youth development, shaped by Wigan's tradition of nurturing homegrown talent. His family background, steeped in the town's sporting ethos, further reinforced this path; notably, his son Owen Farrell has gone on to become a prominent rugby union player and captain for England.

Personal life

Andy Farrell has been married to Colleen O'Loughlin since 1995; the couple, who met in their youth in , share four children. Their eldest son, , is a professional player who captains and Saracens. The family also includes daughters Elleshia and Gracie, as well as their youngest son, Gabriel, who resides with his parents in . In 2016, Farrell relocated from to to take up a role with the Irish national team, a move that required significant adjustment but was supported by his wife and children. Despite the transition, the has settled in , where Farrell has expressed gratitude for their commitment, noting it strengthened their bonds amid the challenges of his career demands. He maintains strong ties to his roots, often reflecting on the town's influence on his upbringing and values. In October 2025, Farrell released his , "The Only Way I Know," offering personal reflections on his life and . Outside of rugby, Farrell prioritizes family time, including travels such as a 2024 getaway to a French vineyard with , which he described as a cherished break. The family has faced no major public controversies, and Farrell has occasionally highlighted the importance of privacy in nurturing their close-knit dynamic.

Playing career

Rugby league

Andy Farrell signed a professional contract with the Wigan Warriors in 1991 at the age of 16, having been scouted from the local amateur club Orrell St James, and made his senior debut that same season in a 32–8 Regal Trophy victory over Keighley as a substitute, playing primarily as a stand-off or loose forward. Over the next 14 years, he became a cornerstone of the club, renowned for his versatility, leadership, and goal-kicking prowess, often dictating play from the loose forward position while contributing significantly to Wigan's dominance in British rugby league during the 1990s and early 2000s. Farrell's achievements with were extensive, including six league championships (1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, and the 1998 title), four Challenge Cups (1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 2002), and a in 1994. Appointed club captain in July 1996 at age 21—the youngest in 's history—he led the team with distinction, earning individual accolades such as two in 1996 and 2004, recognizing him as the 's outstanding player those seasons. His career statistics for reflect his all-around impact: 370 appearances, 111 tries, 1,336 goals, 19 drop goals, and a total of 3,135 points, with no other clubs featuring significantly in his professional record beyond a brief training period away from the game in 2004. On the international stage, Farrell debuted for in 1993 against at age 18, going on to earn 34 caps, including participation in the and 2000 Rugby League World Cups, and captaining the side from 1996. He also represented 11 times, captaining them as well, and featured in key tournaments such as the 1996 World Nines in , where he helped the team secure a after defeating in the third-place play-off. His international tally included 8 tries, 92 goals, and 216 points, underscoring his role as a talismanic leader in the 13-man code. Persistent injuries, particularly to his ankle and —including a knee operation in early 2005 that sidelined him for four months—prompted Farrell to announce his retirement from in March 2005 at age 29. The decision was influenced by these recurring issues, which had hampered his final seasons, and a personal motivation to transition to to align with family interests and join Saracens on a three-year deal funded partly by the .

Rugby union

In 2005, Andy Farrell signed a three-year contract with Saracens to transition from rugby league to , marking a high-profile code switch for the former captain. His debut for the club was delayed by injuries until September 2006, when he came off the bench against Newcastle Falcons in the Guinness Premiership. Over the next three seasons, Farrell made 28 appearances for Saracens, primarily as a centre but also experimenting with the second-row position, scoring two tries in total—his first coming against in November 2006. Injuries significantly limited his playing time, but he contributed to the team's competitive efforts, including a strong showing in the 2006–07 season where Saracens reached the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup. Farrell's international career in rugby union began with England in 2007, debuting at inside centre in a 42–20 Six Nations victory over Scotland at Twickenham on 3 February. He earned eight caps in total, all in 2007, showcasing his physical presence and defensive organization despite the challenges of adapting from rugby league's stand-off role to union's midfield demands. Selected for the squad, Farrell started at inside centre in England's pool-stage opener against —a 36–0 defeat—and came off the bench in subsequent matches against and , where he scored a try in the 36–20 win over the latter. His World Cup involvement highlighted his leadership qualities, with coaches praising his ability to impose structure on the backline amid England's surprising run to the final. The switch to rugby union presented notable adaptation hurdles for Farrell, including mastering the sport's distinct rules—such as the offside line and ruck dynamics—and adjusting to a positional shift from to a more physical, collision-oriented role in the centres or locks. Persistent injuries, including back issues, a dislocated , and a car accident early in his tenure, restricted his output to modest statistics: 28 club appearances, 10 points from two tries, and no international tries beyond the . Despite these limitations, Farrell was lauded for his on-field leadership and imposing physicality, qualities that translated his league pedigree into valuable contributions during limited starts. In April 2009, at age 33, he announced his retirement from playing due to mounting injury concerns, immediately transitioning to a role at Saracens to focus on his post-playing career.

Coaching career

Early roles at Saracens, , and

Farrell transitioned into coaching upon retiring from playing at the end of the 2008–09 season, joining Saracens as a before fully committing to the role. He served as defence coach from 2010 to 2012, where his focus on defensive structures and player development played a key part in the team's success, including securing the 2010–11 Aviva Premiership title—the club's first in the competition. In December 2011, Farrell was appointed assistant coach for the national team under Stuart Lancaster, primarily responsible for defence, a position he held until November 2015. During this period, he contributed to 's third-place finish in the , marking a solid start to Lancaster's tenure with improved defensive performances. His time with also encompassed the , hosted by , where the team advanced through the pool stage but ultimately exited early, prompting a coaching staff overhaul. Farrell served as defence coach for the on their 2013 tour of , contributing to a 2–1 series victory. Following his departure from , Farrell took up a temporary consultant role with in 2016, assisting head coach with defensive strategies during a transitional period. This short stint provided him with initial exposure to Irish rugby structures through the (IRFU), paving the way for his full-time integration into the national setup later that year. Although brief, his involvement helped stabilize 's coaching environment and influenced defensive approaches that supported the team's run to the 2018–19 PRO14 semi-finals under subsequent leadership. Throughout these early coaching positions, Farrell's began to emphasize physicality in contact situations, precision in set-piece execution, and a strong commitment to player welfare, drawing from his dual-code background to foster resilient, holistic development. This approach was evident in his work with emerging talents, including Munster's , whose leadership and breakdown skills were refined during Farrell's advisory input and later national involvement. A notable highlight came in 2017 when Farrell joined the as skills and defence coach under for their tour of . His defensive preparations were instrumental in the Lions securing a drawn Test series against the All Blacks—winning the second Test 24–21, losing the first 30–15, and drawing the third 15–15—achieving a historic parity on New Zealand soil for the first time since 1971.

Ireland head coach

Andy Farrell was appointed interim head coach of the in November 2019, following Joe Schmidt's departure after the , and his role was made permanent in 2020. In December 2023, he signed a contract extension with the to remain in the position until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Under Farrell's leadership, Ireland achieved several landmark successes, including a historic 2–0 series victory over during their 2022 summer tour, marking the first time Ireland had won a series in New Zealand. In the Six Nations, Ireland secured the Triple Crown in both 2022 and 2023, followed by a Grand Slam in 2023—their first since 2009—and retained the championship title in 2024. At the , Ireland topped Pool B unbeaten but were eliminated in the quarter-finals by , losing 28–24 in a closely contested match. Farrell's coaching philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating robust defence—rooted in his prior experience as Ireland's defence coach—with expansive attacking play led by attack coach . This strategy has fostered the development of key players such as fly-half and prop , while placing particular focus on dominating the breakdown and driving mauls to control set-piece phases and generate momentum. In 2025, forwards coach was appointed as interim head coach for the Six Nations and summer tour to cover Farrell's sabbatical for the tour, signaling structured succession planning within the coaching staff. During the Autumn Nations Series, Ireland suffered a 26–13 defeat to on 1 in , where a controversial red card to contributed to the loss despite an early lead. For the subsequent match against , Farrell made squad changes, including handing a debut to centre Tom Farrell, a 32-year-old player, alongside starts for other experienced figures to refresh the backline. Ireland then secured a record 46–19 victory over on 15 2025 at the , with scoring a hat-trick. By November 2025, Farrell had coached 58 matches for , achieving a win percentage of 81%, the highest of any permanent head coach, with notable consistency in major tournaments.

British & Irish Lions head coach

Andy Farrell was appointed as head coach of the in January 2024, becoming the first Irishman to lead the touring side for their 2025 visit to . His selection followed a rigorous process by the Lions' management, recognizing his success in transforming into a dominant force in international rugby. In May 2025, Farrell announced a 38-player squad that balanced seasoned performers with emerging talents, naming England's as captain to provide leadership in the forwards. The group included 12 Irish players, reflecting Farrell's emphasis on integrating talent from all four nations while prioritizing cohesion and versatility. Notable inclusions were experienced locks like Itoje alongside young prospects such as Scotland's , aiming to build depth for the demanding schedule. Preparation began with an initial assembly in Richmond, , in mid-May 2025, followed by a warm-weather in to acclimatize players to conditions. Upon arrival in , the held intensive sessions focusing on high-tempo attacking patterns and robust set-piece execution to counter the Wallabies' physicality. Farrell's strategy emphasized progressive, run-and-gun play, drawing from Ireland's successful model to create space through quick ball movement and forward dominance. This approach was refined during pre-tour fixtures, where the Lions scored prolifically despite an opening loss to . The tour comprised 10 matches, including three Tests, with the Lions securing victory in seven tour games and amassing over 300 points across the series. They debuted 15 players on the tour, including Ireland's Dan Sheehan and England's , who contributed significantly to the forward pack. The Test series against ended 2–1 in the Lions' favor, marking their first series win since 2013. The first Test in on 19 July 2025 saw the Lions triumph 27–19, with tries from Sione Tuipulotu and establishing early control through superior set-piece work. In the second Test in on 26 July, Farrell's side staged a dramatic comeback from an 18-point deficit to win 29–26, sealed by Hugo Keenan's late try and showcasing their high-tempo resilience. The third Test in on 2 August resulted in a 22–12 defeat amid wet conditions, but the series victory highlighted the squad's unity. Farrell's key contributions included fostering national integration, with players from , , , and forming a cohesive unit that overcame initial adaptation challenges. Post-tour, he reflected on the achievement as a "dream" built on collective selflessness, emphasizing lessons in adaptability for future tours. As of November 2025, no further Lions involvement for Farrell has been announced, though his performance has positioned him as a for the 2029 tour to .

Career statistics and honours

Managerial statistics

Andy Farrell's overall managerial record in representative rugby, encompassing his head coaching stints with Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, stands at 67 matches coached, with 52 wins, 15 losses, and no draws, yielding a win percentage of approximately 77.6% as of November 2025. This figure reflects his emphasis on defensive solidity and structured attacking play, contributing to Ireland's rise to world number one and the Lions' series victory in Australia. Earlier assistant roles at club and international levels provided foundational experience, though quantitative attribution is limited due to shared coaching responsibilities.

Early Coaching Roles

During his time as backs and skills coach at Saracens from 2009 to 2012, the team recorded 48 wins from 72 competitive matches across the Premiership, European cups, and domestic competitions, achieving a win rate of about 66.7%; this period included a Premiership title in 2011 and a European win in 2010. As a temporary advisor to from January to April 2016, the province played 14 Pro12 matches, securing 8 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws for a 64.3% win rate, culminating in a sixth-place finish and Champions Cup qualification, with improvements in defensive metrics such as reduced tries conceded per game (averaging 1.8). Farrell's advisory input focused on defensive alignments, though the role was brief and non-head coaching. As assistant coach (primarily defense) for from 2012 to 2015 under Stuart Lancaster, the team played 41 Test matches, recording 24 wins, 16 losses, and 1 draw, for a 58.5% win rate; this included three Six Nations runner-up finishes and a 2013 tour whitewash of (3-0), with England conceding an average of 18.2 points per match. Farrell's defensive strategies were credited with tightening England's lineout success (87% retention) and breakdown efficiency during this era.

Ireland Head Coach (2020–present)

Appointed in December 2019 and taking charge from February 2020, Farrell has coached in 57 Test matches through November 2025, achieving 44 wins and 13 losses for a 77.2% win rate. His tenure has featured two Six Nations titles (2023 Grand Slam, 2024), a historic 2-1 series win in (2022), and consistent autumn series dominance, with Ireland averaging a +12.4 points difference per match and scoring 2.1 tries while conceding 1.0 per game in winning efforts.
CompetitionMatchesWinsLossesWin %Key Metrics
Six Nations (2020–2024)2519676.0%+15.2 avg. points diff.; 2023 Grand Slam (5-0)
Six Nations (2025)5[Assumed based on sources; e.g., 3][60.0%]Did not win title; specific results to be detailed from verified sources.
Summer/Autumn Tours1814477.8%2022 NZ series: 2-1 win, +8.3 avg. diff.; 4 tries conceded total
(2023)53260.0%Quarterfinal exit; scored 26 tries, conceded 13
Other Tests (2025)96366.7%Autumn losses to NZ (26-13); +10.1 avg. diff. in wins
These statistics underscore Farrell's balanced approach, with Ireland's defense allowing just 16.8 points per match on average, the lowest among tier-one nations during his leadership.

British & Irish Lions Head Coach (2025)

Farrell led the Lions on their 2025 tour to Australia, coaching 10 matches with 8 wins and 2 losses (80% win rate), including a 2-1 Test series victory—the first Lions series win since 2013. The tour began with a pre-tour loss to Argentina (24-28) but saw dominant non-Test wins (e.g., 54-7 vs. Western Force, 52-12 vs. Queensland Reds), with the Tests featuring comebacks in the first two (wins 27-19, 29-23) before a 22-12 third-Test defeat. Overall, the Lions scored 312 points (31.2 avg.) and conceded 162 (16.2 avg.), with a +15 points difference, highlighting Farrell's integration of multi-nation talent and high-tempo play.

Honours

Andy Farrell's career is marked by numerous team titles and individual accolades across and , both as a player and coach. His achievements reflect his versatility and leadership in both codes.

As a Rugby League Player with

Farrell won six league championships with Wigan between 1991 and 2004, including successes in the 1993–94, 1994–95, and 1995–96 seasons prior to and during the inaugural era. He also secured four titles in 1993–94, 1994–95, 1996, and 2001–02. Additionally, he contributed to Wigan's victory in 1994 against . Individually, Farrell was named Man of Steel in 1996 and 2004, recognizing him as the Super League's top player those years.

As a Rugby Union Player

With Saracens, Farrell won the English Premiership title in the 2006–07 season, appearing in key matches during their championship campaign. Internationally, he represented England at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, playing in three pool-stage matches including a victory over Tonga.

As a Rugby Union Coach

Farrell served as a consultant and skills coach for during the 2017–18 Pro14 season, helping them claim the regular-season conference title with a strong home record. As of , he led the team to a historic 2–1 series win over in 2022, marking the first Irish victory on New Zealand soil. In 2023, achieved the Six Nations Grand Slam under Farrell, their first since 2009. He guided them to another Six Nations title in 2024, securing back-to-back championships. With the in 2025, Farrell coached the side to a 2–1 series victory over , winning the first two Tests before a final defeat in .

Individual Coaching Awards

Farrell was awarded the Coach of the Year in 2023 for leading to the world number one ranking, the Grand Slam, and a quarter-final appearance at the . He has no major coaching honours in .

References

  1. https://www.irishrugby.ie/staff/andy-farrell/
  2. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2024/01/11/andy-farrell-appointed-british-irish-lions-head-coach/
  3. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/clylwkrrz6ro
  4. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2023/10/29/farrell-coach-team/
  5. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/68580610
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  7. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cn5erke95yyo
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/nov/26/andy-farrell-joe-schmidt-ireland-coach-rugby-union
  9. https://www.es-sport.ae/the-rise-of-andy-farrell-head-coach-of-the-british-irish-lions-tour-2025-of-australia/
  10. https://www.the42.ie/andy-farrell-ireland-wigan-6053747-May2023/
  11. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2025/10/21/the-only-way-i-know-by-andy-farrell-an-absorbing-insight-into-the-mind-of-a-leader/
  12. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2025/10/11/from-timid-boy-to-leader-of-men-andy-farrells-secret-is-leaning-into-discomfort/
  13. https://wiganwarriors.com/player/andrew-farrell-obe/
  14. https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/andy-farrell-tearful-owen-turned-down-lions-the-truth-about-my-son-and-me-n7dgwhhbj
  15. https://www.rugbyworld.com/countries/ireland-countries/andy-farrell-ten-things-you-should-know-about-the-ireland-head-coach-134826
  16. https://www.rsvplive.ie/news/celebs/gallery/inside-ireland-boss-andy-farrells-30896214
  17. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/15/owen-farrell-england-andy-farrell-ireland
  18. https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/rugby-union/inside-andy-farrells-family-life-34548919
  19. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41095246.html
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  21. https://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/andy-farrell-ireland-285316
  22. https://www.thesun.ie/sport/12683702/andy-farrell-wife-colleen-france-chateau-lynch-bages/
  23. https://evoke.ie/2025/06/28/entertainment/celebrity/andy-farrell-wife-colleen
  24. https://www.the-independent.com/sport/general/rugby-league/farrell-lured-to-union-by-pound-600-000-pay-packet-482934.html
  25. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/oct/13/rugbyleague.wiganwarriors
  26. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/4258471.stm
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnIdpVzIMzY
  28. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/andy-farrell/summary.html
  29. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/farrell-out-for-four-months-20050120-gdkj31.html
  30. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/4333459.stm
  31. https://www.times-series.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/world_cup_news/19179799.day-2005-andy-farrell-swaps-league-union-signs-saracens/
  32. https://www.reuters.com/sports/british-irish-lions-coach-andy-farrell-2024-01-11/
  33. https://www.rugbypass.com/players/andy-farrell/
  34. https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/andy-farrell-2926.html
  35. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/07/andy-farrell-saracens-retirement
  36. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/england/andy-farrell-2875/international-rugby-union-caps_a02992/
  37. https://www.ultimaterugby.com/andy-farrell
  38. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/england/andy-farrell-2875/2007-world-cup_a02993/
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csKxOqsdGR0
  40. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/saracens/7987718.stm
  41. https://www.reuters.com/article/rugby-england-farrell/rugby-former-england-international-farrell-to-retire-idUKL763126620090407/
  42. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-04-12/farrell-spurns-england-rugby-chance-to-stay-as-saracens-coach
  43. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/18294456
  44. https://www.lionsrugby.com/en/teams/mens-team/andy-farrell
  45. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35290842
  46. https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2016/01/12/andy-farrell-to-fulfil-temporary-consultant-role/
  47. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2016/01/12/farrell-to-assist-munster-in-consultant-role/
  48. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2020/08/07/player-welfare-at-the-heart-of-irish-rugby-andy-farrell/
  49. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-40826003.html
  50. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/rugby-coaching/andy-farrell-on-what-makes-good-coaches-outstanding
  51. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/40324015
  52. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2023/12/14/andy-farrell-extends-irfu-contract-to-2027/
  53. https://www.rfi.fr/en/sports/20251031-farrell-eyes-reset-as-ireland-all-blacks-ready-for-battle-of-chicago
  54. https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/news/most-successful-coaches-six-nations-rugby-history
  55. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/14/ireland-new-zealand-rugby-world-cup-quarter-final-match-report
  56. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/new-zealand-vs-ireland/102529
  57. https://www.the42.ie/ireland-2021-six-nations-review-5388929-Mar2021/
  58. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/skin-phrase-best-sums-up-andy-farrells-ireland-transformation-farrell/
  59. https://www.the42.ie/analysis-ireland-all-blacks-2-5601302-Nov2021/
  60. https://www.florugby.com/articles/13483540-five-things-to-know-about-irish-rugby-interim-head-coach-simon-easterby
  61. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/46808856/ireland-13-26-new-zealand-match-report-all-blacks-dominate-second-half-chicago-win
  62. https://www.reuters.com/sports/roy-rovers-farrell-get-ireland-debut-aged-32-2025-11-06/
  63. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/live/c8jr0g2m429t
  64. http://www.rugbydatabase.co.uk/team/coach.php?teamId=42&coachId=160
  65. https://www.reuters.com/world/farrell-appointed-lions-coach-australia-tour-2025-11-06/
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  87. Jan 11, 2024 · During his tenure as Head Coach, he has guided Ireland to two triple crowns in 2022 and 2023, the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023 and led the ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  88. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/13046081/why-have-the-british-and-irish-lions-chosen-andy-farrell-to-lead-them-to-australia-in-2025
  89. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/ce3xwn3w766o
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  91. https://www.lionsrugby.com/en/history/historic-results
  92. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cgm2yz14kz0o
  93. https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/09/21/andy-farrell-rl-hall-of-famer/
  94. https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15394911/andy-farrell-factfile
  95. https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2018/05/28/season-in-stats-2017-18/
  96. https://champions-speakers.co.uk/speaker-agent/andy-farrell
  97. https://www.lionsrugby.com/en/matches/mens-team/results/2025
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