Andy Farrell: Ireland head coach signs new contract until after 2027 World Cup

Andy Farrell has signed a new long-term contract to remain as Ireland head coach until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Farrell's Irish side lost to New Zealand in the quarter-final of this year's World Cup, having gone into the tournament ranked number one in the world.

He led Ireland to a first-ever series win in New Zealand last summer and they won a Grand Slam earlier this year.

He became Ireland head coach in 2019.

The Englishman, whose previous contract ran until 2025, replaced Joe Schmidt, having been a part of the New Zealander's coaching staff since 2016, and won the World Rugby Coach of the Year award in October.

Farrell has been strongly linked with the vacant British and Irish Lions head coach position, with former bosses Warren Gatland and Sir Ian McGeechan backing him to take the team for the 2025 tour of Australia.

The IRFU are receptive to the idea of Farrell leading the Lions, which would require him to take a sabbatical from his role with Ireland, like Gatland did while in charge of Wales for the 2013 and 2017 tours.

It was also announced on Thursday that attack coach Mike Catt will leave his role after Ireland's tour to South Africa next summer.

On his new deal, Farrell said: "Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU.

"It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and, as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.

"There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the last number of Ireland Under-20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future.

"It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue."

Ireland have not played since that disappointing last-eight World Cup loss to the All Blacks, which came after an excellent showing in a tough group.

As well as comfortable wins over Romania and Tonga, Ireland saw off eventual tournament winners South Africa in a memorable encounter before beating Scotland with a hugely impressive performance.

Farrell's men will be back in France for their next match in February when they will begin the defence of their Six Nations title without captain Johnny Sexton, who retired after the World Cup, before travelling to South Africa for two Tests with the world champions in July.

"Over the course of the last four years Andy has helped drive the highest standards for the men's national team and it is testament to the positive environment which he and his backroom team have fostered that Ireland has enjoyed such a sustained period of success in recent times," said IRFU performance director David Nucifora.

"Andy is an ambitious and talented coach who continues to make an indelible mark on Irish rugby, and it is a significant coup to retain his services. I have no doubt that he will look to build in the years to come."

IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said Farrell's new deal is a "hugely positive boost" for Irish rugby.

"Andy is a world-class coach and an inspirational leader of great talent and integrity who has already made a significant contribution to Irish rugby through his leadership of our men's national team.

"We are extremely pleased that he has agreed to remain in Ireland."