Andy Farrell poised to lead British and Irish Lions in 2029 after successful Australia tour

Andy Farrell has been backed to remain British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2029 tour to New Zealand by chief executive Ben Calveley

Andy Farrell’s position as British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2029 tour to New Zealand has received a ringing endorsement from chief executive Ben Calveley.

Farrell has guided the Lions to their first series victory since 2013, with Saturday’s 22-12 reverse against the Wallabies in Sydney marking the sole defeat during their nine-match Australian expedition.

Despite their quest for a clean sweep being decisively thwarted at the final obstacle, the 50-year-old Ireland chief has overseen a triumphant tour distinguished by its outcomes, team unity, dedication to attacking rugby and the resilience displayed to clinch the second Test in dramatic fashion.

Preparations for 2029 are already in motion, with Calveley pledging a comparable framework and fixture count to the recently concluded schedule, though the concluding midweek encounter will face scrutiny due to its impact on Test match preparations.

Farrell stands as the frontrunner to spearhead that campaign, with Calveley indicating that British and Irish rugby’s most prestigious role remains firmly within his grasp, reports the Irish Mirror.

“Andy’s done an incredible job and I have really enjoyed working with him,” Calveley remarked.

“I go right back to when I first met him to offer him the role. You could see right then that we had made the right decision in appointing Andy.

“Since he has started full time back in December, he has brought a real focus to the operation which has ultimately resulted in success on the field of play. We will now give him a bit of time off.

“When it comes to our appointments for future tours, we will start the process in about two years and I don’t think it would be right to comment on where it ends up. But certainly he has put himself in a very strong position, let’s put it that way.”

Australia, ranked eighth in the world before the series, had their reputation as a viable Lions tour destination on the line ahead of the Suncorp Stadium opener.

Their heavy defeat in Brisbane was not the start they hoped for, yet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they nearly squared the series, only to lose out in the final moments before ultimately triumphing on Saturday.

The Lions clinched the series with an aggregate scoreline of just 68-67, despite the Wallabies leading for more time over the three Tests.

Considering profits that are “significantly higher than anything we’ve seen in the past” it’s evident that the Wallabies will remain key contenders against the British and Irish rugby elite.

“I would absolutely envisage returning to Australia. I know there’s been loads of speculation about whether that would be the case or not, but we’ve had a wonderful tour here,” Calveley remarked.

“It’s 100 per cent our ambition to return and we would want the next one to be bigger and better than this one.”

Despite the potential threat from the emerging breakaway franchise league R360, Calveley is confident in the Lions’ enduring appeal.

“You have seen these quotes come from players at every stage throughout the tour is that they remain absolutely committed to the Lions,” he stated.

“We all know that we have our place in the calendar baked into regulation 9 and I wouldn’t see that changing in the future.

“Our relationship with the professional game is better than it has ever been and I would see that continuing in the future.”