Farrell, Favorite to Lead the Lions in 2029: Analysis and Outlook

Andy Farrell, on track to lead the Lions in 2029

The chief executive, Ben Calveley, has backed Andy Farrell’s continuation as head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the 2029 tour of New Zealand. Farrell has guided the Lions to their first series win since 2013. Despite the 22-12 defeat against the Wallabies in Sydney, in their only setback in their nine matches in Australia, Farrell’s performance has been remarkable. His management has been characterized by positive results, team cohesion, commitment to the game and the demonstration of character, especially in the victory of the second Test.

Joe Schmidt habla sobre la admiración que siente por su equipo de Australia tras su victoria por 22-12 sobre los Lions, a pesar de perder la serie.

Planning for 2029 is already underway, with Calveley promising a structure and number of matches similar to the current tour, although the completion of midweek matches will be reviewed due to the disruption they cause to Test preparation. Farrell is the favorite to lead that expedition, and Calveley suggests that the most coveted position in British and Irish rugby is currently his, unless something unexpected happens.

“Andy has done an incredible job and I have really enjoyed working with him,” said Calveley.
Ben Calveley

El entrenador de los British and Irish Lions, Andy Farrell, dice que a pesar de perder el tercer partido de prueba ante Australia, deberían estar 'realmente orgullosos' de ganar la serie.

The series began with a stumble in Brisbane, but at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they were on the verge of tying the series before emerging as winners on Saturday. The Lions won the series with an aggregate score of only 68-67, and their opponents led for longer in the three test matches. Considering the profits “significantly higher than anything else we’ve seen in the past”, it’s clear that the Wallabies will remain rivals for the British and Irish rugby elite.

“I would love to come back to Australia. I know there has been a lot of speculation about whether that would be the case or not, but we have had a wonderful tour here,” Calveley said.
Ben Calveley

The Lions are seen as potentially vulnerable to the proposed new R360 league, but Calveley insists that their pulling power remains strong. “They’ve seen these quotes from players at every stage of the tour, and they’re absolutely committed to the Lions,” he said. “We all know that we have our place on the calendar integrated into regulation 9 and I don’t see that changing in the future.”