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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Robert Kitson

Andy Farrell signs new Ireland contract to quash any chance of England switch

Andy Farrell holds a ball on the pitch during the warm-up for Ireland's game with Australia in November 2025
Andy Farrell has won two Six Nations titles with Ireland, including a grand slam in 2023, and led the British and Irish Lions to victory in Australia in 2025. Photograph: Peter Morrison/AP

Andy Farrell has signed a new deal to remain as Ireland’s head coach until 2031, removing any chance of England luring him back to Twickenham after next year’s Rugby World Cup. Instead, Farrell has opted to stay put in Dublin and will now preside over their next two World Cup campaigns.

Farrell, who led the British & Irish Lions to a series win in Australia last year, has steered Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a grand slam in 2023 and a historic Test series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand since replacing Joe Schmidt in late 2019. His latest five-year deal puts an abrupt end to speculation about a possible return to English rugby.

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