The coach will have two attempts to break Irish rugby’s most infamous glass ceiling, the rugby world cup quarter-final
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell (Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension that will see him remain in charge of the Ireland Men’s National Team through to the conclusion of the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031.
The move sees the Wigan-born coach who turned 51 last Saturday with two attempts to break Irish rugby’s most infamous glass ceiling and get a rugby world cup semi-final.
He failed by the narrowest margin yet when losing by just four points, 24-28, at RWC 2023 in France. RWC 2027 is in Australia, RWC 2031 will be in the USA.
Meanwhile the necessary clauses have been put in place to allow Farrell a sabbatical through late 2028 and early 2029 to work full-time as Lions coach ahead of the tour to New Zealand.
His handling of the 2025 winning tour to Australia was considered a huge plus by the Home Unions – all four of whom have the financial stakes in the Lions – and the right stuff when it comes to what expected to be a seismic and hugely financially profitable tour.
Announcing the signing of the deal this morning, the IRFU were keen to stress, will allow the coach ‘continuity, stability, and long-term strategic direction’ for the Ireland Men’s Team.
Ireland three tour games this summer, against Australia (July 4th), Japan (July 11th) and All Blacks (July 18th).
“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish Rugby,” Farrell said in part of a longer IRFU-conducted interview released this morning.
“It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff, and to represent the supporters whose passion and unwavering support drive this team forward and inspire us every time we take the field.
“What excites me most is the increasing strength and investment in pathways and the quality of talent coming through. There is a real confidence in the system that has been built across the provinces and age-grade programmes, and I believe with sustained effort that the best is yet to come.”
IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts welcomed the announcement: “We are delighted to secure Andy through to 2031.He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world.
“His impact reaches far beyond what we see on the pitch – he has instilled a deep sense of pride, connection, inspiration and belief across Irish Rugby, creating a culture that truly unites players and supporters and one that Irish fans at home and across the globe feel incredibly proud to stand behind.
“Ensuring Andy’s long-term future with us is a hugely positive step for Irish Rugby as we continue to grow the game and strive for sustained success on the international stage.”
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys also underlined the importance of continuity in the role: “Andy’s contract extension is a key investment in the long-term success of the Ireland Men’s National Team through until Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031.
“Since taking the Head Coach position, Andy’s leadership has established a clear performance vision for the team, driven consistently high standards and built an environment where players and staff can thrive at the highest level of the international game.
“This commitment to Irish Rugby gives us real confidence as we look ahead and allows us to keep developing our playing group, strengthen our high-performance systems, and ensure alignment from the pathway right through to the senior team.
Above all, it provides a stable platform to keep Irish Rugby competing with the very best in the world over the coming years.”