In a surprising move on Wednesday afternoon, the IRFU announced that Andy Farrell will succeed Les Kiss as Ireland defence coach.
According to Newstalk, not even Ireland players - who were in a training camp this week - knew of the appointment.
Due to some issues with his England contract, Farrell will not take up the role until after this year's Six Nations. His contract will run until the conclusion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The news was greeted with surprise and, mostly, positivity by the rugby media on Twitter.
So Andy Farrell new @IrishRugby defence coach! Decent business that. Very good coach and motivator. Expect line speed & great kick chase.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) January 6, 2016
Still a good appointment ????
— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) January 6, 2016
We seem utterly incapable of believing we can do it ourselves so we have gone and appointed Andy Farrell. Incredible !
— George Hook (@ghook) January 6, 2016
Wonder if Andy Farrell's got in touch with Ben Te'o's legal people yet, looking for a loophole in his Worcester contract...
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) January 6, 2016
Didn't see that one coming - Sam Burgess #1 fan replaces Kissy as Ireland defence coach. Good CV. Plus the Burgess thing
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) January 6, 2016
Andy Farrell could be an astute appointment by Joe Schmidt. Les Kiss is a big loss so need innovation. He's also no Yes Man.
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) January 6, 2016
I wouldn't be hung up on what happened in England. He obviously impressed Schmidt anyway. And it's the Kiwi it will reflect on if goes wrong
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) January 6, 2016
Ireland defence coach a good job for Andy Farrell to get so soon after leaving England. Deserved a soft landing.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) January 6, 2016
Andy Farrell is going to have to prime Sean O'Brien to take his son's head off. Funny meeting, that'll be.
— David Flatman (@davidflatman) January 6, 2016
Andy Farrell has been appointed Ireland's defence coach. Stunned by that. Should be fun. #IRFU
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) January 6, 2016
The Farrell appointment is just fascinating. Huge personality and he'll have no trouble telling Schmidt if he thinks he's wrong.
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) January 6, 2016
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
