Former Wales and Lions coach Warren Gatland believes that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) should pursue current Ireland coach Andy Farrell after next year’s World Cup.
Calling the decision, a no-brainer, Gatland who worked alongside Farrell during his successful tenure as Lions coach believes Farrell would be the perfect replacement for current coach Eddie Jones.
As all four home unions prepare for series deciders in the Southern Hemisphere, Gatland’s interview is once again timed perfectly.
Farrell no doubt has his hands tied with Ireland and will not be thinking about what is coming after this Saturday let alone post the World Cup.
Eddie Jones too has his hands full with the prospect of beating his native Australia for a second successive series at the forefront of his mind.
Gatland who has returned to New Zealand to coach the Waikato Chiefs and to be closer to his family has a rather shaky relationship with Irish Rugby.
Having previously been ousted as head coach of Ireland by the IRFU and more specifically his former assistant Eddie O’Sullivan.
Gatland never misses an opportunity to take a swipe at the Irish and as such doesn’t mind suggesting that Farrell may well leave the role should the England job be offered.
“I have known the Ireland head coach for a long time, first working closely with him when I appointed him as defence coach for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013 and again four years later for the tour of New Zealand,” he said.
“I would have taken him to South Africa last year too, but the Irish Rugby Football Union were not keen on him going.” He continued.
For his coaching, Gatland recently gave an exclusive interview the UK Telegraph where he stated that he would not rule out a return to European Rugby.
The Kiwi has also been linked with the USA head coaching role in recent times, however this appears to have faded into the background at present.
Gatland did go on to say that Farrell may however choose to stay on and continue to achieve special things with the Irish.
“There is no doubt in my mind he (Farrell) would do a good job as a successor to Eddie Jones as England head coach after next year’s World Cup, but then he might decide to stay on with Ireland and achieve something really special with them.”
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