Warren Gatland backs Andy Farrell for Lions job after ending run as coach
Warren Gatland has decided not to continue as head coach of the British and Irish Lions, and recommended Andy Farrell as his successor. Gatland has been in charge of the Lions since the 2013 tour of Australia, also leading the side during the 2017 tour of New Zealand and the South African tour in 2021.
“I have done my best for the Lions, but it is time to move on,” Gatland said in his column in the Telegraph. “A few weeks ago, I was asked by Nigel Walker, Wales’ director of rugby, if I was interested in putting my name forward to be head coach for the next tour in Australia in 2025. I told him I was not going to put my name forward. I told Nigel that I would have no problem if any of my support staff were to be asked to be involved as I would see it as a great experience for them.”
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Gatland was also involved as assistant coach to Ian McGeechan on the 2009 tour of South Africa and led Wales to the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup in France.
“I think it is the opportunity now for someone else to be head coach and Andy Farrell would have my backing for the job,” he said. “You can not deny what Ireland have achieved as a nation over the last few years and you are starting to see the fruition of the alignment between the Irish provinces and the union. There is no doubt that Andy has done a fantastic job.”
The next Lions tour starts with against Western Force at Perth Stadium on 28 June 2025, with the series-opener against Australia at Brisbane’s Lang Park on 19 July.
“If the next head coach wants to tap into my experiences from the last four tours, then I would still love to be involved in some way by passing on the knowledge and experience I have gained,” Gatland said. “For the Lions, it is the least I can do.”
Meanwhile, the England and Gloucester wing Jonny May has announced his retirement from Test rugby. The 33-year-old made his debut against Argentina in 2013 and scored 36 tries in 78 international appearances. He sits second behind Rory Underwood (49) on his country’s list of all-time leading try scorers. May’s final Test came in England’s 16-15 World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa.
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“All I want to say from the bottom of my heart is a huge thank you to everybody who has been a part of this journey with me,” he said. “It’s an honour and a dream to represent my country and although I won’t be out there on the pitch any more, I will always feel connected to this team in spirit.”