Smart piece of business from the IRFU.
Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension with the IRFU and will remain on as Ireland head coach until the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup.
The union made the announcement this afternoon (December 14) while Performance Director, David Nucifora has confirmed that attack coach Mike Catt will be moving on, next year. On his contract news, Farrell stated:
“Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU. It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.
“There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the recent Ireland U20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future.”
During his chat with some select rugby writers, Nucifora did state that the union would be accommodating with the British & Irish Lions, should they be approached about Farrell coaching that team for the 2025 tour to Australia. In such circumstances, Farrell would most likely step back from his responsibilities with Ireland for much, if not all, or the 2024/25 season.
Mike Catt has been Ireland attack coach since Andy Farrell became head coach. (Credit: Getty Images)Andy Farrell staying, Mike Catt set to depart
Andy Farrell took over from Joe Schmidt as head coach of Ireland in late 2019. He has led the team to a 2022 Triple Crown, 2023 Grand Slam and a winning Test series away in New Zealand. He guided Ireland to No.1 in the world but was not able to guide them past the World Cup quarter final stages.
Nucifora did confirm that Mike Catt would be vacating his attack coach role after next summer’s two-Test tour to South Africa. The union is already well into their search for a replacement and Nucifora said that coaching team change would be announced in due course.
Johnny Sexton has been linked with stepping into the role, while other attack coach possibilities include Richie Murphy, Jared Payne and Mike Prendergast.
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