Eddie Jones and Warren Gatland Make Coaching Decisions for British & Irish Lions 2025 Tour

Eddie Jones, the former head coach of England and Australia, has officially removed himself from consideration for the vacant coaching role with the British and Irish Lions. After recently resigning as the Wallabies head coach, Jones is seeking new opportunities. While his involvement with Rugby Australia is coming to an end, he is currently assisting Scott Robertson, the future All Blacks coach, with the Barbarians in their upcoming match against Wales.

In the midst of this, Warren Gatland has confirmed that he will not be pursuing the position of head coach for the British and Irish Lions in 2025. Eddie Jones has clearly stated that he will not be applying for the Lions coaching role. Initially, Jones had signed on as the Wallabies boss until 2027, a tenure that would have coincided with the British & Irish Lions tour.

When asked if he would consider coaching the invitational Barbarians side on their tour in Australia, Jones responded, “I have moved from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. I had my chance with England, and I have a deep affection for coaching England. However, I have no intention of being involved with the Lions.”

Jones explained his decision, pointing to “20 years of unsuccessful rugby” and the need for significant changes in Australian rugby. He had a plan and commitment from Rugby Australia, but when the unity in the vision for Australian rugby wavered due to external factors, Jones felt compelled to resign. He believed that the only way to bring about the necessary changes, both within the team and the larger system, was to step down.

Currently, Andy Farrell, the head coach of the Irish national team, is the frontrunner according to bookmakers for the role of guiding the British & Irish Lions in 2025. Farrell received an endorsement for the position from former Lions coach Warren Gatland.

Gatland confirmed his intentions to step away from the iconic touring side and expressed his confidence in Andy Farrell as the next in line. Gatland mentioned discussions he had with Nigel Walker, Wales’ director of rugby, about stepping away from future Lions commitments. He declined the opportunity to put his name forward as head coach for the 2025 tour in Australia and stated that he would support any of his staff if asked to be involved.

Gatland praised the accomplishments of Ireland as a nation, highlighting their progress and achievements. Under Andy Farrell’s leadership, Ireland achieved their longest-ever run of consecutive victories and secured a Six Nations Grand Slam. Despite a loss to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, Farrell’s impact on Irish rugby earned him the World Rugby Coach of the Year award.

Gatland believes that Farrell should be judged on his achievements with Ireland and that people should look beyond specific match results. He commended Farrell’s man-management skills, extensive experience in professional rugby, and expressed his deep respect for him as a coach.

Gatland and Farrell have a history of working together, both as colleagues in British and Irish Lions coaching teams and as opposing coaches in Six Nations clashes. Gatland was keen to have Farrell as part of his coaching staff for Lions tours and highlighted Farrell’s value as a coach.

The search for the next British & Irish Lions head coach continues, with Andy Farrell as a strong contender for the role, endorsed by a respected figure in rugby, Warren Gatland.