Andy Farrell named British and Irish Lions coach for 2025 tour of Australia

Andy Farrell has been appointed head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the 2025 tour to Australia. The Englishman, currently coaching Ireland, succeeds Warren Gatland in the role, having served as his assistant for the 2013 and 2017 Lions series. Farrell, 48, has led Ireland to a first series win in New Zealand and a Six Nations Grand Slam since taking charge in 2019.

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South Africa v Georgia clash in doubt due to Covid outbreak

South Africa’s match with Georgia on Friday is in doubt as the whole squad has been placed in isolation following a positive Covid-19 test returned by second row Lood de Jager. The news comes ahead of their test series against the Lions.

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Sexton omitted as Gatland names Lions squad

Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton has not been selected by Warren Gatland for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa this summer. Eight Irish players have made the squad while Sam Simmonds who last played for England in 2018 was a surprise inclusion.

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Lions series to take place in South Africa as planned

The British and Irish Lions and South Africa Rugby have agreed they will proceed with planning for this summer’s tour to go ahead as originally scheduled in South Africa. The Lions and SA Rugby released a joint statement on Tuesday confirming that they were “aligned” on delivering the three-Test series in South Africa during the “scheduled playing window”.

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