Andy Farrell explains why Ireland should be excited as he signs up but key lieutenant departs

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has signed a new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union that will keep him in situ until at least the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The former England coach joined the Irish set-up in 2016 under Joe Schmidt and took charge following the departure of the New Zealander after the 2019 World Cup.

They have enjoyed incredible success under Farrell, becoming the number one side in the world, winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023 and winning 17 matches in a row.

“Proud”

“Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU,” he said.

“It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.

“There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the recent Ireland U20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future.

“It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue.”

Farrell was criticised during the early stages of his tenure but, following an excellent end to the 2021 Six Nations, Ireland went from strength to strength.

Despite missing out to France in the 2022 tournament, they went to New Zealand for the July series and earned a historic triumph.

A Grand Slam followed in 2023 before they were agonisingly edged out at the World Cup quarter-final stage by the All Blacks.

IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: “Over the course of the last four years Andy has helped drive the highest standards for the men’s national team and it is testament to the positive environment which he and his backroom team have fostered that Ireland has enjoyed such a sustained period of success in recent times.

“Andy is an ambitious and talented coach who continues to make an indelible mark on Irish rugby, and it is a significant coup to retain his services. I have no doubt that he will look to build in the years to come.”

Mike Catt to depart

Farrell will be searching for his next attack coach, however, with the IRFU also confirming that Mike Catt will be departing his role midway through 2024.

Catt will continue for the remainder of this season, which takes in the Six Nations and the tour to South Africa, but will leave for pastures new after that.

According to reports earlier in the year, the 52-year-old is relocating his family to England.

Legendary fly-half Johnny Sexton has previously been linked with that position, but there are some doubts as to whether he wants to immediately move into coaching.

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