Andy Farrell says he\u2019s \u201cloving life\u201d as Ireland head coach and has no interest in returning to an England role before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
His new book, Andy Farrell: The Only Way I Know: The gripping autobiography from one of rugby\u2019s most revered players and coaches<\/a>, is out now<\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community<\/a>\u00a0for all the latest news direct to your phone.<\/p>\n Andy Farrell has agreed to a long-term contract extension to remain as Ireland\u2019s head coach through the 2027 Rugby World Cup. <\/p>\n He will resume his duties next month following his successful stint leading the British & Irish Lions to a series victory over Australia this summ<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you make a decision, you commit and that\u2019s it,\u201d said Farrell when previously asked last year about the possibility of leaving Ireland.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, you know, I\u2019m very lucky that it wasn\u2019t just me that was committing, it was my wife and kids as well.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause whether you think it\u2019s a close flight or connected or whatever to the UK, it\u2019s still living abroad. It is a big move, you know, kids out of school.<\/p>\n \u201cThat type of commitment is something that I\u2019ll never forget from my family\u2026 I\u2019m forever grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n He added: \u201cWe love it here. We\u2019re loving life here and the rugby\u2019s pretty good as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Farrell adding that his family loves living in Ireland and that he\u2019s enjoying both life and rugby there \u2014 suggesting that, with his family settled, taking another job such as coaching England is no longer an obvious move.<\/p>\n There is little doubt that Farrell will be at the top of the Rugby Football Union\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n New Shock Favourite to Replace Steve Borthwick as England Boss<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the runners and riders, odds in tow, in true RUCK fashion:<\/p>\n The Old Master \u2013 Sir Clive Woodward (100\/1)<\/p>\n England\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Exeter\u2019s Builder \u2013 Rob Baxter (20\/1)<\/p>\n 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\u2019s a serious candidate if the RFU want a steady hand after Borthwick.<\/p>\n The Grit Merchant \u2013 Steve Diamond (20\/1)<\/p>\n 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\u2019d bring edge and discipline. The question: does his style scale up to Test rugby pressure?<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n