Andy Farrell has committed his future to Ireland after signing a new long-term deal through the end of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
Farrell had been the subject of speculation with his existing contract due to expire after next year’s tournament in Australia.
The head coach had been linked with former club Saracens and mentioned as a possible successor to Steve Borthwick with England rugby, but has put pen to paper to extend his stay in Dublin.
Farrell led the British and Irish Lions to series victory over the Wallabies last summer and is a strong contender to take the reins again in New Zealand in 2029.
Beyond that, he can now look towards guiding Ireland into the next two World Cups as he bids to break their run of quarter-final exits and challenge for a first competition crown.
“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish Rugby,” Farrell said. “It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff, and to represent the supporters whose passion and unwavering support drive this team forward and inspire us every time we take the field.
“What excites me most is the increasing strength and investment in pathways and the quality of talent coming through. There is a real confidence in the system that has been built across the provinces and age-grade programmes, and I believe with sustained effort that the best is yet to come.”
The 50-year-old took over from Joe Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup and has won two Six Nations titles at the helm, including a grand slam in 2023.
His side bounced back impressively from an opening defeat to France in this year’s campaign to finish second.
Ireland are next in action in July as they begin the inaugural Nations Championship with matches against Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
“We are delighted to secure Andy through to 2031,” Kevin Potts, chief executive of the IRFU, said. “He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world.”
Farrell’s unavailability will be seen as a blow to England, although Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney admitted in March that he had not spoken to the Englishman.
Farrell previously served as a defence coach under Stuart Lancaster between 2011 and 2015. He has since been highly-regarded and well settled within the Irish capital, though, after joining Schmidt’s staff as an assistant in 2016.
