Click:全国楼凤论坛
Wales head coach Warren Gatland backs Andy Farrell to take over the reins as the British and Irish Lions head coach in 2025.
Having led the Lions during the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, Gatland may have been in the running for a fourth tour after returning as Wales’ head coach.
However, he instead backed his defence coach in 2013 and 2017, Andy Farrell, to do the job in 2025.
“Only one person for the job”
Farrell‘s record as Ireland’s head coach speaks for itself, having guided the team back to the top of the World Rugby rankings after claiming a historic 2-1 series victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand. They added the scalps of Australia and South Africa in November as they went unbeaten during the Autumn Nations Series.
Those results leads Gatland to believe that Farrell is the only person for the job.
“If you are picking a Lions coach at the moment, there is only one person that I think is in contention,” Gatland said during a Principality Stadium press conference on Tuesday.
“And he is across the water and living in Dublin at the minute. If you are successful, those opportunities come along.
Gatland’s focus is on Wales
“I hadn’t even thought about that (Lions tour). I am just thinking about the next 10 months,” Gatland added.
“I am well aware of how important the Six Nations and World Cup are next year.
“I don’t plan my pathway. I am a believer of if you are in the right place at the right time, then opportunities come along. What will be, will be.”
Robin McBryde poured cold water over speculation that he would join Wales’ coaching staff earlier this week, and Gatland confirmed that he had not had any discussions with the current coaching support staff so far.
While Wayne Pivac parted ways with the Welsh Rugby Union, his support staff are still on the Union’s payroll. The likes of Stephen Jones, Jonathan Humphreys and Gethin Jenkins all worked alongside Pivac and could continue their roles with Gatland.
“I haven’t spoken to any of the coaches,” he added.
“There was a review process conducted by the union, and I am going through that process at the moment.
“I’ve got to make sure that I do the right thing and make the best decision for Wales and the team. That’s ongoing at the moment.”
Tough first task
Wales host Ireland in their opening Six Nations match of the new year on February 4, and Gatland sees the positives in facing strong opposition first up.
“It’s probably good, as they are the best team in the world, and rightly so.
Click Here: Cricket Shop
“Getting them first up at home is not the worst thing. It’s a tournament of momentum. You win your first game, and you’ve got a good chance of doing well.
“To get them first up, it’s probably the one game you want at home – playing against the best team where there is probably a bit more pressure on them.
“I think we will be pretty excited about getting ready for the game.
“My upbringing in New Zealand, we always believed if you work hard, you get results.
“That has always been my attitude, never ever afraid to take something on and believe if you do something, you can do something special.
“I wouldn’t be here doing the job unless I thought we were capable of winning things.”