Ireland announce shock choice as Defence Coach

Straight out of left-field.

The IRFU have announced that former England Defence Coach Andy Farrell will take up the same role with Ireland. Farrell, who has a rugby league and union background, was capped eight times by England as a player before transitioning into coaching. The 40-year-old, who is father to England out-half Owen Farrell, was released from his English coaching responsibilities by Eddie Jones and is signed up with Ireland until the completion of the 2019 World Cup. Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt said:

"It's great to have Andy coming into our coaching team. The quality of his delivery and breadth of his experience as well as the positive impact he had when coaching a number of our senior players during the 2013 Lions tour will add real value for us."

Andy Farrell commented, "To have this opportunity to work with a very talented management and playing group really excites me. "With a wealth of top class experienced senior players and a fantastic crop of youngsters pushing hard the future is very positive for Irish rugby and I can't wait to get started." Farrell will not be involved in the upcoming Six Nations. His contract begins ahead of the summer tour to South Africa.