Andy Farrell Takes Charge of Lions Ahead of 2025 Tour

Andy Farrell has officially taken over as the full-time head coach of the British and Irish Lions ahead of their 2025 tour of Australia. He will focus on selecting the right squad, with his decisions largely influenced by the upcoming Six Nations. While some players impressed in the Autumn Nations Series, Farrell believes the Six Nations will play a crucial role in determining the final Lions squad. He is expected to announce his squad of around 35-40 players in late April or early May with the Six Nations serving as a significant deciding factor.

The clash with the French Top 14 season will also influence Farrell’s selection of players from the four home nations, potentially affecting the availability of players like Blair Kinghorn. Farrell will need to choose between selecting top performers who may miss matches due to league commitments or prioritizing availability.

Farrell will also face the challenge of choosing a captain with several potential candidates emerging. Ireland’s Caelan Doris, who has displayed consistent form and leadership, leads the charge but Farrell may also consider other Lions veterans or captains from outside the four home nations.

In terms of coaching staff, Farrell will navigate contractual release issues to assemble his backroom team. Some notable names like Ronan O’Gara and Shaun Edwards may prove difficult to secure due to club commitments. Farrell will likely rely on coaches from within the home unions with figures like Ireland’s Simon Easterby and Scotland’s Steve Tandy emerging as likely candidates.

As Andy Farrell prepares for the 2025 Lions tour, he will take a careful approach, ensuring thorough planning and patience in making critical decisions. He will begin his scouting process in January with a reconnaissance trip to Australia before the Six Nations kicks off.