Andy Farrell has been appointed head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the 2025 tour to Australia.

Arrell will only work with the Lions from December of this year until the tour’s end, which means he won’t be available for Ireland’s 2025 Six Nations campaign.

The former dual-code international for England recently agreed to extend his tenure as Ireland’s coach through the end of the 2027 World Cup.

Ireland achieved a Triple Crown in 2022, a Six Nations Grand Slam last year, and a first-ever series victory in New Zealand under Farrell’s direction.

Prior to the World Cup last year, Ireland also became the world’s number one.

But after an excruciating quarterfinal loss to the All Blacks, they were once again unable to advance past the quarterfinals of the grand event.

Warren Gatland, who has guided the Lions on their last three tours to the southern hemisphere since 2013, is replaced by Farrell.

He was a member of Gatland’s coaching staff during the Australian series victory in 2013 and the 2017 series tie with New Zealand.

“It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to be named head coach of The British and Irish Lions,” said Farrell.

“I know how special Lions Tours are having been involved in the 2013 and 2017 Tours, so I am delighted to get the chance to lead the team in 2025.

“There is a wealth of talent across Britain and Ireland, and I am looking forward to building a team that can deliver the ultimate goal of success in Australia.”

With Australian rugby in disarray, there will be great expectations on Farrell to deliver a series victory down under.

After just two victories in nine Test matches last year—including a World Cup group stage exit following losses to Wales and Fiji—Eddie Jones resigned as the Wallabies’ coach.

However, Farrell might face his former manager Joe Schmidt, as the Kiwi has been linked to leading Australia.

Before taking over for Schmidt in 2019, Farrell coached defence for Ireland.