Andy Farrell will step away from Ireland completely to focus on Lions: Simon Easterby

The former flanker will step into the top job for the Six Nations and the summer tour of Romania and Georgia, and he insists the boss will not have an overarching presence during that window. Ireland has never gone into a Six Nations without its head coach, a scenario Wales faced in 2013 and 2017 when Warren Gatland handed control to Rob Howley. “Andy has a lot to get through in terms of the Lions,” he said.

“I’m sure he’d be on the end of a phone if needed, but as far as we’re concerned he’s stepping away completely and he’s leaving us to crack on and get on with it. “He’s been fully involved in the progression and the continuity and he will be right through until the end of November and, after that, I think his focus has to switch to a massive year for him in terms of preparing for that Lions tour to Australia.”.