Andy Farrell is set to lead the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 tour of Australia, but his coaching tickets are yet to be confirmed.
The Irish coach was asked about this at a press conference. First, I asked how far they would go to appoint a coach.
“What’s the right type of coach for the group I want to play and the group I want to play,” he said.
And when asked what kind of group he would like to create, he answered: “Not all five people have the same personality. Not just the knowledge aspect, but everything you can bring to the table. But the character we bring to the touring party is a big part of the dynamic of the group.”
There are quite a few names floating around, and here are some of the coaches who could land the job.
Jacques Nienaver
Jacques Nienaber took part in the British and Irish Lions tour, but also as an opposition coach. The last time the Lions toured was against South Africa in 2021, with Nienaber as head coach. He led the Springboks to a series win over the Lions.
During his time in South Africa, first as an assistant coach and then as head coach, the team won back-to-back World Cup titles.
Nienaber is currently the head coach of Munster. He began his coaching career as a strength and conditioning coach with the Free State Cheetahs.
Nienaber went on to work as an assistant coach with Western Province, Stormers and Munster.
Paul O’Connell
Paul O’Connell has been Ireland’s forwards coach alongside Farrell since 2021. O’Connell is part of the coaching staff that has turned Ireland into one of the best teams in the world. Ireland had won back-to-back Six Nations titles at the time, one of which was a Grand Slam title.
The former Ireland captain began his coaching career with Ireland U20s in 2017. He was appointed assistant coach but remained in that role for less than a year, taking on the role of forwards coach at Stade Francais in August 2018. O’Connell then joined. Ireland Senior Organization Setting for January 2021.
Kevin Shinfield
Kevin Sinfield has international coaching experience in England. When Steve Borthwick left Leicester Tigers to become England manager, he brought Sinfield with him. Sinfield was initially the team’s defensive coach. He has since taken a step back within the coaching set-up but remains a part of it.
Before England, he won a Premiership title as defense coach at Leicester. Leicester took up his first coaching role in rugby union after, like Farrell, coming from a rugby league background.
Before Leicester, he was Director of Rugby at Leeds Rhinos and before that Director of Rugby for the Rugby Fooball League.
Where will the British and Irish Lions travel?
Whoever wins the coveted job will help lead the team on the tour of Australia. Although the Wallabies have had a disappointing Rugby World Cup in 2023, Farrell says he is not underestimating the team.
“The tour only happens once every 12 years in Australia and if you’re lucky enough to be a part of it as a Wallabies player, it makes it even more special,” he said.
“So this is going to be a huge moment for Australia. As far as Australian rugby is concerned, we know that the last few weeks have left some repairs to be made. But I know they will get it right because it means a lot.
“So 2025 is going to be a huge year for Australian sport with the Lions coming up.”
