Ireland and Andy Farrell headed into the off-week of the Six Nations in a perfect mood after their record-breaking win over England in Twickenham.
The 42-21 demolition has completely changed the perspective on this Irish team, following the dismal performance in Paris a fortnight prior, and the talk around the team has shifted very quickly.
The win has also helped change the perspective on Ireland’s hopes for the World Cup in Australia, which is now only 18 months away.
Ireland and Andy Farrell headed into the off-week of the Six Nations in a perfect mood after their record-breaking win over England in Twickenham. Pic: Ben Brady/INPHO
If Ireland’s performance in London is what Farrell has been working on, then Ireland is moving in the right direction heading into that tournament.
With the age profile of many players in this group, it feels like next year’s tournament could be the last for the likes of Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Tadhg Furlong, among a few.
It also could be the end of an era in the coaching box as Andy Farrell’s current contract is set to expire at the end of 2027, and his former side is set to make a lucrative offer to coax him away from Dublin.
IRFU performance director David Humphreys and Andy Farrell. Pic: INPHO
The Irish Independent are reporting that the English side Saracens are set to offer Farrell €1.2million a year deal to bring him to the North London side after the World Cup, potentially linking up with son Owen, who plays there. Reports in France go as far as to say the deal is already done.
Andy Farrell played for Saracens from 2005-2009 after making the code switch from rugby league, and was First Team Coach there from 2010-2012 before taking a role as part of the England coaching ticket.
Farrell has been part of the IRFU set up since 2016, firstly as a defence coach, then as Head Coach post-2019 World Cup. Over his 11 years in Ireland, he’s been a part of the most successful period of Irish rugby, and his departure will be a huge changing of the guard.
However, he will still be with the IRFU until the World Cup, where a potential quarter-final with Argentina looms as he looks to finally end the quarter-final hoodoo.