Why does Andy Farrell coach Ireland while son Owen Farrell captains England?

ANDY FARRELL’S Ireland are back in action this weekend as they take on Wales in the Six Nations.

The 47-year-old is looking to win his his first Six Nations trophy as Ireland head coach but he will have to come up against his son Owen Farrell, who plays for England, at some point. 

Andy Farrell is the Ireland head coach

Wales vs Ireland – How to watch Six Nations 2023 clash

Why is Andy Farrell the Ireland head coach?

After a year as Saracens first team coach, Farrell joined England’s coaching team in 2012.

In 2013, he toured with the British and Irish Lions as defence coach in Australia, earning special praise from Warren Gatland.

Farrell was then sacked by new England coach Eddie Jones in 2015 after the Australian took over following a group stage World Cup exit.

Owen Farrell captains EnglandGetty Images – Getty


Interestingly, son Owen would then progress to become England captain under Jones after Dylan Hartley was dropped.

Partly as a result of his successful British and Irish Lions campaign, Andy Farrell was picked up by former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and named defence coach in 2016.

He then helped the Irish to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2018.

Following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Schmidt stepped down as Ireland head coach, with Andy Farrell named his successor.

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