In the blink of an eye, after seven weeks of drama, entertainment and heartbreak, the Rugby World Cup has drawn to a close. While it was far from the ideal outcome for Andy Farrell and Ireland following the deflating quarterfinal exit, the campaign did not disappoint in terms of exciting games.
The focus of Irish players will now be with their respective provinces, with the URC well underway and the Heineken Champions Cup just over a month away, international rugby will have to be put to the back of their minds for the next while.
Over the past couple of days, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was awarded World Rugby Coach of the Year, while five Irish players made the World Rugby Dream Team, prizes which perhaps softened the blow of their premature exit from the biggest stage.
For Farrell, his stock continues to rise and it appears one of Ireland's biggest critics or villain to some, has backed the Englishman for one of the biggest honours in the game.
Gatland back Farrell for the 2025 Lions Tour
The prestigous tour to the southern hemisphere is renowned as the pinacle of rugby for British and Irish players. The earliest tours date back to 1888 and whether you're a player, coach or staff member, it's the elite recognition for people in the rugby world.
For the past three tours, Warren Gatland has had the honour as head coach of the British and Irish Lions, but the New Zealander has taken himself out of the running for the 2025 tour of Australia.
Gatland led the Lions to a win over Australia in 2013, a series draw against New Zealand in 2017 and defeat at the hands of The Springboks in 2021.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Warren Gatland said that he will not be putting his name forward for the upcoming tour.
A few weeks ago, I was asked by Nigel Walker, Wales' director of rugby, if I was interested in putting my name forward to be head coach for the next tour in Australia in 2025,
It did not take long to get back to him. I told him I was not going to put my name forward. I told Nigel that I would have no problem if any of my support staff were to be asked to be involved as I would see it as a great experience for them.
But I think it is the opportunity now for someone else to be head coach and Andy Farrell would have my backing for the job.
While Gatland is far from a favourite on Irish shores, with the combination of dropping Brian O'Driscoll for a crucial test match against New Zealand back in 2017 and some outspoken comments about the nation in recent times leading to differing views, it's certainly a big compliment for Andy Farrell.
Gatland added:
You cannot deny what Ireland have achieved as a nation over the last few years and you are starting to see the fruition of the alignment between the Irish provinces and the union. There is no doubt that Andy has done a fantastic job.
Even though Ireland lost their quarter-final to New Zealand, it was an epic match and it could have gone either way. And that is sport. Everyone always just looks at results rather than what teams have achieved and the progress they have made.
Andy has got really good man-management skills, has huge experience in the game as a professional from a young age in rugby league and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a person and as a coach.
Andy Farrell was an integral part of Gatland's backroom team during the 2013 and 2017 tours and he was also keen to have the Englishman back in as defence coach in 2021.
He was a key member of my Lions coaching teams on the tours of 2013 and 2017 and I wanted him again for the South Africa tour.
Unfortunately I was told Ireland were not keen on releasing him because of the need to develop another fly-half behind Johnny Sexton - even though there was an opportunity for him to go to South Africa, who were in their World Cup pool, and get a close-up look at them over seven weeks.
I passionately believe that all the home unions should make their coaches available for the Lions if asked. If nothing else it is a great opportunity to develop as a coach, share ideas and learn from each other.
Farrell is undoubtedly the stand out candidate for the job and after leading Ireland to a 17 test unbeaten run and a Grand Slam over the past year, it's clear why Warren Gatland is such an admirer.
During preparation for the 2013 and 2017 Lions tour, Warren Gatland stepped back from his duties as Wales head coach. Should Farrell be offered the job, he could likely follow in his predecessor's steps.
While it would be a blow for Ireland if Farrell stepped back temporarily, it would likely be down to Paul O'Connell and Simon Easterby to hold the fort in his absence.
SEE ALSO: South Africa Fans Unimpressed With Andy Farrell's Coach Of The Year Gong
