Andy Farrell says he’s ‘loving life’ as Ireland’s head coach and has ruled out any return to an England role ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Lions boss was linked with a move back to Twickenham when Steve Borthwick was under fire last year and remains the frontrunner to take over after the next World Cup.
His new book, Andy Farrell: The Only Way I Know: The gripping autobiography from one of rugby’s most revered players and coaches, is out now
Since taking charge in 2019, Farrell has led Ireland to the top of the world rankings, delivering a Triple Crown, a first-ever series win in New Zealand in 2022, and a Grand Slam earlier this year.
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Andy Farrell has agreed to a long-term contract extension to remain as Ireland’s head coach through the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He will resume his duties next month following his successful stint leading the British & Irish Lions to a series victory over Australia this summ
“When you make a decision, you commit and that’s it,” said Farrell when previously asked last year about the possibility of leaving Ireland.
“And, you know, I’m very lucky that it wasn’t just me that was committing, it was my wife and kids as well.
“Because whether you think it’s a close flight or connected or whatever to the UK, it’s still living abroad. It is a big move, you know, kids out of school.
“That type of commitment is something that I’ll never forget from my family… I’m forever grateful.”
He added: “We love it here. We’re loving life here and the rugby’s pretty good as well.”
Farrell adding that his family loves living in Ireland and that he’s enjoying both life and rugby there — suggesting that, with his family settled, taking another job such as coaching England is no longer an obvious move.
There is little doubt that Farrell will be at the top of the Rugby Football Union’s wish list once the 2027 World Cup concludes, with his track record and leadership making him an obvious candidate to eventually take charge of England.
12 candidates to succeed Steve Borthwick as England head coach
The Old Master – Sir Clive Woodward (100/1)
England’s only World Cup-winning coach remains the touchstone for what success looks like in red and white. Two decades on, Woodward is more pundit than practitioner, yet his authority still carries weight. A romantic pick, but unlikely in the modern RFU setup.
Exeter’s Builder – Rob Baxter (20/1)
Few have shaped an English club more than Baxter, who took Exeter from Championship battlers to Premiership and European champions. Calm, consistent and deeply connected to English rugby, he’s a serious candidate if the RFU want a steady hand after Borthwick.
The Grit Merchant – Steve Diamond (20/1)
Diamond has made a career of toughening up squads, whether at Sale, Worcester or Newcastle. Known for his no-nonsense approach and sharp eye for value, he’d bring edge and discipline. The question: does his style scale up to Test rugby pressure?
The Rogue Shout – Warren Gatland (18/1)
Gatland remains one of the most experienced and successful coaches in world rugby, with a proven record of building disciplined, resilient teams. His long tenure with Wales delivered four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams, while his leadership of multiple British & Irish Lions tours cemented his reputation for clarity, toughness, and consistency.
Gatland’s pragmatic, no-frills style could stabilise England and re-establish a hard-nosed identity, though critics might argue his methods are more functional than inventive. Still, his pedigree and ability to deliver results under pressure make him a credible, if conservative, contender to succeed Steve Borthwick.
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