We love it in Ireland: Andy Farrell has no interest in coaching in England

Andy Farrell is loving life in Ireland and has no interest in taking on a coaching role in England as he seeks Grand Slam glory against his native country.

The 47-year-old crossed the Irish Sea to become Joe Schmidt’s defensive coach in 2016 after leaving a similar role with England following the arrival of Eddie Jones.

Since replacing Schmidt as head coach after the 2019 World Cup, he has vigorously built his reputation as a Dublin coach, guiding Ireland to an impressive run of wins over New Zealand, topping the global rankings and to the brink of a clean Guinness Six Nations victory

Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney said of the historic tour success in New Zealand last summer that Farrell was “very well regarded” in a recruitment campaign to identify Jones’ successor as England boss.

Farrell then extended his contract in Ireland until 2025 and has no regrets about leaving his home country, while being “forever grateful” for the sacrifices made by his uprooted family.

“When you make a decision, you commit and that’s it,” he said. “And you know, I’m very fortunate that not only have I signed on, but my wife and kids have signed up too.

“Because whether you think it’s a close flight or connection or whatever to the UK, it’s still living abroad. It’s a big step, you know, kids from school.

“It was a family commitment. And the more I look back, the more grateful I am that they showed me that commitment, you know, because it was just because of me, wasn’t it?

“We put the sticks up and the kids broke up with their friends and stuff like that, and that kind of commitment is something I’ll never forget from my family.”

When asked if he felt the urge to work at home, he replied, “No, why should we? We love it here. We love life here and the rugby is pretty good too.”

Farrell is ready to take on a host of familiar faces at the sold-out Aviva Stadium over St. Patrick’s weekend.

His son Owen Farrell will skipper an England side coached by former Saracens co-captain and international team-mate Steve Borthwick.

Farrell has backed Borthwick to finally get England on the firing line after a difficult start that has resulted in a Calcutta Cup disappointment against Scotland and a blow to France.

“Obviously we’re very aware of each other’s qualities,” Farrell said of Borthwick, who was a fellow coach on the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

“He’s an outstanding coach. When I worked with him on the Lions, I mean, the proof is in the pudding, isn’t it? Ask the players, they are the people who matter and to a man everyone raved about when they came back from the Lions tour.

“Steve isn’t resting on his laurels either. He will also enjoy this challenge to ensure he improves as a manager and there is no doubt that he will do the right thing with England.”

Farrell Junior is back in England’s No10 shirt after being axed for the game against France and will take on veteran Irish skipper Johnny Sexton as he prepares for his final Six Nations game before heading to the autumn World Cup retires.

“I think Owen and Johnny are pretty similar in terms of drive, fight and want,” said Andy Farrell.

“Both are super competitors and they will make sure that their team has the same attitude. That’s why I said England will be extremely dangerous this weekend because of that kind of mentality.”