Sir Ian McGeechan has endorsed Andy Farrell, the coach of the Irish rugby team, for the position of head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the 2025 Australian tour.
With four Lions tours under his belt, McGeechan believes that Farrell is the leading contender for the role.
Farrell, a former defence coach for the Lions, is currently under contract with Ireland until the summer of 2025.
“Absolutely, yes,” Sir Ian said when asked.
“When I spoke to him I did mention it. He is just great at drawing players together and [it is] so important on a Lions tour that you get the chemistry and you get the players to come out and show what they can do.
“He has shown that superbly well with the Irish squad. It is exactly what you need from a Lions coach and, yes, for me he would be favourite.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
Will Greenwood: 2025 Lions XV
#BACK-THREE:
- 15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
- 14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
- 11. Adam Radwan (England)
Greenwood on Radwan: “The Newcastle Falcon might be raw, but if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. We’ve seen Cheslin Kolbe hot-step his way to a series-clinching try; Radwan could do the same.”
Greenwood on Rees-Zammit: “The Welshman saw his opportunities limited on the tour to South Africa but in the short periods he did feature you could tell there was a star in the making.”
Our selection: Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), Adam Radwan (England), Freddie Steward (England)
#CENTRES:
- 13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
- 12. Cameron Redpath (Scotland)
Greenwood on Redpath: “I am convinced that Redpath would have toured South Africa this year were it not for the serious knee injury sustained while in action for Bath.”
Our selection: Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Cameron Redpath (Scotland)