Andy Farrell: Ireland boss says it was an easy decision to sign new deal

Andy Farrell said it was an easy decision to sign a new Ireland contract following a four-year extension to lead the team until 2031.

The 51-year-old’s previous contract was due to expire after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, but his Extension will take him Four years later until the tournament ended in the United States.

Since succeeding Joe Schmidt in 2019, Farrell has led Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including the 2023 Grand Slam, and a historic Test series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand.

“Yeah, it was,” Farrell told IrishRugby TV when asked if it was an easy decision.

“When asked, it means a lot because it means that what you do is appreciated a little bit. But to get to this point, there are a lot of people who have helped us get to this point.”

Farrell was linked with Saracens and England before committing his future to Ireland.

Farrell’s side have Nations Championship matches in July and November before trying to reclaim the Six Nations title next year.

After that, Farrell hopes to lead Ireland to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since suffering a painful last-eight exit at the hands of New Zealand in Paris three years ago.

“If you look at what we have ahead of us, a summer tour of the southern hemisphere (to face Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July),” he added.

“We have some guys that have been there, obviously, but a lot of guys will get on that plane that haven’t had that experience.

“There’s a lot of firsts that are going to keep happening, the Six Nations and then the World Cup. What a year, what 18 months it’s going to be.”