Andy Farrell, in charge of the Lions until 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, the only stumble in the nine matches of the visit to Australia, the overall performance has been remarkable. The successful tour, led by the 50-year-old Irish coach, stands out for its results, team cohesion, commitment to the game, and the character shown by winning the second test in the final seconds. Planning for 2029 is already underway, with Calveley promising a structure and number of matches similar to the current tour, although the scheduling of midweek matches will be analyzed due to their impact on preparation for the tests. Farrell is the favorite to lead that expedition, and Calveley suggests that the most coveted position in British and Irish rugby is currently in his hands.
Calveley highlighted that since he met Farrell to offer him the position, it was noticed that it was the right decision. The CEO added that Farrell has brought a clear focus that has resulted in success in the field. Now, they will give him some time off.“Andy has done an incredible job and I’ve really enjoyed working with him,” Calveley stated.
Ben Calveley
Australia, which entered the series in eighth place in the world rankings, saw its credibility as a destination for the Lions’ tours at stake before the opening match at Suncorp Stadium. The defeat in Brisbane was an unpromising start, but at the Melbourne Cricket Ground they were 51 seconds away from tying the series before emerging as clear winners on Saturday. The Lions won the series with an aggregate score of 68-67, and their opponents led for longer in the three tests. Considering the earnings, which are “significantly higher than anything we’ve seen in the past”, it’s clear that the Wallabies will remain adversaries for the British and Irish rugby elite.“When it comes to naming coaches for future tours, we will begin the process in about two years and I don’t think it’s right to comment on how it will end. But certainly, he has put himself in a very strong position, so to speak”.
Ben Calveley
“It is our 100% goal to return and we want the next one to be bigger and better than this.”“Absolutely, I imagine we will return 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,” said Calveley.
Ben Calveley
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“We all know we have our place on the calendar, established in regulation 9, and I don’t see that changing in the future. Our relationship with the professional game is better than ever and I see that continuing in the future.”“They’ve seen these statements from the players at every stage of the tour, and it’s that they remain absolutely committed to the Lions.”
Ben Calveley
