Warren Gatland reveals he is stepping away from the British and Irish Lions and insists Andy Farrell would have his backing to coach the squad for the 2025 tour of Australia

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has been endorsed as the next British & Irish Lions head coach in waiting after Warren Gatland ruled himself out of taking charge of a fourth straight tour. 

Gatland – now back with Wales for a second spell – has led the Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021, claiming a Test series win in Australia and a draw with New Zealand in that time.

The Lions are set to decide who will take charge of their 2025 trip to Australia in the coming months now that the World Cup is over. But Gatland has already stood aside. 

‘I think it is the opportunity now for someone else to be head coach and Andy would have my backing for the job,’ he said in his column for The Telegraph. 

Farrell was named World Rugby coach of the year on Sunday after leading Ireland to No 1 in the game’s rankings and to a Six Nations grand slam earlier this year. 

Warren Gatland has refused to put his name forward to be the head coach of the British and Irish Lions for their next tour of Australia in 2025

The Lions lost their last tour under Gatland in 2021, while defeating Australia in 2013 and drawing with New Zealand in 2017, in his two other tours as coach of the squad

His team was beaten by New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals, but that shouldn’t detract from Ireland’s achievements since Farrell succeeded Joe Schmidt with the men in green. 

Farrell also has past experience of the Lions having been an assistant coach to Gatland on the successful tours of Australia and New Zealand in 2013 and 2017 respectively. 

‘Andy has got really good man-management skills and has huge experience in the game as a professional from a young age in rugby league,’ Gatland said. 

‘I have a huge amount of respect for him as a person and as a coach.’ 

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MailSport understands the Lions – led by chief executive Ben Calveley and chairman Ieuan Evans – want to confirm their next head coach in the next six months. 

Farrell, 48, is the clear frontrunner for the job but whether Ireland would be willing to release him from his day job to take on the role remains to be seen. 

The Irish Rugby Football Union blocked Farrell from joining Gatland on the 2021 tour of South Africa, one which ended in defeat by the Springboks who are now back-to-back World Cup winners. 

And the imminent departure of powerful Irish rugby head honcho David Nucifora could complicate matters further. 

Gatland has recommended Ireland head coach Andy Farrell (pictured) to take up the job

Former Ireland outside-half David Humphreys, currently employed by the England & Wales Cricket Board, has been tipped as a possible successor to Nucifora at some point in 2024. 

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend could be considered for the role, but England’s Steve Borthwick is unlikely to get the call. 

It looks entirely likely the Lions will put all their eggs in Farrell’s basket. 

‘I passionately believe all the home unions should make their coaches available for the Lions if asked,’ said Gatland, who will allow his Wales support staff to join whoever is head coach if asked. 

‘If nothing else it is a great opportunity to develop as a coach, share ideas and learn from each other.’ 

Gatland admits his decision to drop Brian O’Driscoll (centre) in 2013 was ‘not well-received’