While Joe Schmidt did a remarkable job with Ireland during his time in charge, it's fair to say that Andy Farrell has taken the team to the next level since his appointment as head coach. The Englishman has turned them into an extraordinary side, one that has been one of the best teams in world rugby over the last two or three years.
The tactical evolution of the team under Farrell has been clear to see.
While they were successful under Schmidt, this was achieved by employing a risk averse and rather predictable (albeit largely effective) style. That has changed under the current coaching team, who have helped Ireland become perhaps the most exciting team to watch in the sport at the moment.
With that in mind, and after his recent appointment as British & Irish Lions head coach for 2025, it's fair to say that he is the most highly rated coach in European rugby at the moment.
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Rugby: Andy Farrell's old teammate slams England for handling of Irish coach
Andy Farrell has been part of the Ireland setup since 2016, spending three years as an assistant under Joe Schmidt before graduating into the top job.
Of course, his career path could have been a different one had he not been dismissed from his role with England in 2015. The 48-year old was part of Stuart Lancaster's English backroom team, with Eddie Jones opting not to keep him on after his appointment.
Had he be kept on board, there is every chance that he would now be in charge of England instead of Ireland.
Speaking to Planet Rugby, Farrell's former teammate Martin Offiah slammed England for their handling of him as a coaching prospect. Offiah, who made the switch to rugby union from rugby league in the early 00s, also recalled how Farrell was also a trailblazer in that particular field.
I also think, ‘God, if only England had had more faith in Andy after the 2015 World Cup. What would we have now.
He’s the number one coach in the northern hemisphere. What he’s doing with Ireland is fantastic. They’re odds-on to beat England. Steve Borthwick needs a win, but I don’t think he’s going to get it...
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I remember Andy and Shaun saying in the changing rooms, ‘We can’t ruck, we can’t scrum, we can’t maul, but we can tackle. We’re fit, so let’s tackle. Everything else will sort itself out’.
Andy Farrell has a contract with Ireland until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, meaning there is no chance that he will return to his home nation for the foreseeable future.
England's loss has certainly been Irish rugby's gain.
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