Andy Farrell has a new challenge ahead of him over the coming year-and-a-half, as he takes charge of the Lions for their tour of Australia next summer.
Farrell has prior experience of Lions tours, having worked as defence coach on the 2013 and 2017 tours under Warren Gatland. His appointment was widely expected after he led Ireland to a Grand Slam in last year's Six Nations.
The challenge of bringing together a group of more than 35 players from four different countries and creating a positive atmosphere in the Lions camp is among the biggest challenges in rugby - but Stephen Ferris believes there is nobody better suited to the task than Andy Farrell.
Speaking exclusively to Balls.ie in association with Ladbrokes this week, Ferris shared with us recent comments made by Johnny Sexton in which he said that Farrell can do "absolutely everything" necessary behind the scenes.
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Stephen Ferris shares Johnny Sexton - Andy Farrell comments
10 October 2023; Head coach Andy Farrell and Jonathan Sexton during an Ireland rugby squad training session at Stade Omnisports des Fauvettes in Domont, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Recently retired Johnny Sexton was, of course, captain of Ireland under Farrell since the Englishman's appointment as head coach in 2020.
Stephen Ferris told Balls.ie this week that, at a recent event, Sexton spoke about his former coach, saying that his well-roundedness was what made him stand out:
I was actually at an event last week and Johnny Sexton was speaking at it. It was great to hear his insights into Andy Farrell himself. He was saying he's never come across a coach who can coach every single aspect of the game.
Obviously he has a rugby league background, he then moved into rugby union, started out his coaching career as a defence coach primarily - but Johnny said he can literally do absolutely everything.
Ferris went on to discuss the challenges posed by travelling on a Lions tour - and said that Andy Farrell had proven himself to be the perfect man to help his players through said challenges.
Ex-Ulster and Ireland back row Ferris said that the length of time away from home can be particularly challenging for players on a Lions tour - but said that Farrell's man management capabilities would serve him well:
The way he could actually man manage the boys as well. He can be your friend, he can be an ear to listen - he can be a dictator to get the best out of you.
Genuinely, he's a great guy, and has players' best interests at heart. He manages them extremely well.
I've been on a Lions tour. It's a long time away from home. There's a lot of media attention that goes on to a Lions tour. Of course they're going to go away on this one as huge, huge favourites. It's going to come with a few setbacks along the way. If there's one guy who's shown over the last four or five seasons that they can quickly get back on track, it's Andy Farrell.
It's a brilliant appointment.
Here's hoping that it proves to be a brilliant appointment for Andy Farrell and the Lions.
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