NEWLY APPOINTED Wales rugby boss Warren Gatland believes the only man that should manage the British & Irish Lions in 2025 should be Ireland's Andy Farrell.
Gatland, who managed the Lions in Australia (2013), New Zealand (2017) and South Africa (2021) could take up the role again in three years, but believes that Ireland's head coach has all the credentials to take his previous role for the upcoming tour in Australia.
Most recently, Farrell toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 as defence coach, having proved himself with England. He was heavily praised by head coach Gatland, having drilled the team to concede very few points during the 10-match tour.
Nowadays Farrell has gone on to take a coaching job with England and most recently Ireland, where he's developed the country into one of the best rugby sides in the world.
Last year under Farrell, Ireland beat New Zealand on their own turf for the first time ever. They also had an excellent Six Nations and Autumn Nations Series, where they beat world champions South Africa at the Aviva.
Speaking at a Principality Stadium press conference on Tuesday, Gatland said Farrell at this moment at time is a shoe-in for the role in 2025.
Gatland also left the door open to coaching Lions for 4th time in 2025. But suggests Ireland coach Andy Farrell is the frontrunner.
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"If you are picking a Lions coach at the moment, there is only one person that I think is in contention," said the Wales boss
"And he is across the water and living in Dublin at the minute. If you are successful, those opportunities come along.
"I hadn't even thought about that [Lions tour]. I am just thinking about the next 10 months.
"I am well aware of how important the Six Nations and World Cup are next year.
"I don't plan my pathway. I am a believer of if you are in the right place at the right time, then opportunities come along. What will be, will be."
Ireland will return to international action next spring when the Six Nations begins again.
Wales and Ireland will face each other first in Wales.
