Andy Farrell extends Ireland contract through 2031 World Cup, ending England and Saracens interest
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension keeping him in charge until the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States, the IRFU announced on Friday.
The deal
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has extended his contract until the end of the 2031 Rugby World Cup, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed on Friday. The 51-year-old's previous deal was set to expire after the 2027 tournament in Australia. The extension adds four more years and will see Farrell lead Ireland into a third World Cup cycle, culminating in the 2031 edition in the United States.
I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish Rugby.
Suitors kept at bay
The new contract represents a significant coup for the IRFU. Farrell had attracted interest from his former club Saracens, who were reportedly prepared to offer a salary of 1.2 million euros per year, and from England's Rugby Football Union, who viewed him as a potential successor to Steve Borthwick after 2027. By securing Farrell's signature now, the IRFU has removed him from the market for the next two World Cup cycles.
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 record
Farrell took over from Joe Schmidt at the end of 2019, having previously served as Ireland's defence coach from 2016. His tenure has delivered back-to-back Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2023, four Triple Crowns, a first Test series win in New Zealand, and a drawn series in South Africa against the world champion Springboks. In 2025 he briefly stepped away to coach the British and Irish Lions, guiding them to a series victory in Australia.
- Joins Joe Schmidt's staff as Ireland defence coach
- Succeeds Schmidt as Ireland head coach after World Cup
- Wins Six Nations Triple Crown
- Wins Six Nations Grand Slam; named World Rugby coach of the year
- Coaches British and Irish Lions to series win in Australia
- Signs contract extension through 2031 World Cup
- Previous contract expiry; 2027 World Cup in Australia
- New contract runs to 2031 World Cup in the United States
What comes next
Farrell pointed to the strength of Ireland's player development system as a key reason for his commitment. The IRFU statement highlighted the continuity and long-term strategic direction the extension provides. Ireland's 2023 World Cup campaign ended in a quarter-final defeat to New Zealand, and the team has since undergone a rebuild following the retirements of Test centurions including Johnny Sexton, Keith Earls, and Cian Healy.
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 wider picture
Farrell was named World Rugby coach of the year in 2023. His decision to stay removes one of the most sought-after coaches from the international market and gives Ireland stability through two more World Cup cycles. The 2031 tournament will be hosted by the United States, marking the first time the men's Rugby World Cup is held in the Americas.
