Andy Farrell is staying in Ireland

Former England defence coach Andy Farrell won’t be leaving Ireland anytime soon, at least not until the end of the Rugby World Cup Japan.

Farrell is one of four coaches who have had their contracts extended to beyond the tournament next year.

Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby, defence coach Andy Farrell, scrum coach Greg Feek and skills coach Richie Murphy have signed contract extensions that will see them continue with the national team through the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Farrell – like former England colleague Stuart Lancaster – has found a home and no little success since moving to Ireland in the wake of the 2015 Rugby World Cup which was widely viewed as a disaster for host nation England. Farrell has extended his contract through to June 2020.

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Meanwhile Richie Murphy who joined the national coaching group in 2014 from Leinster has also extended his role as national skills and kicking coach to June 2020.

Simon Easterby joined the Ireland coaching ticket in 2015 having previously held the position of head coach at Llanelli Scarlets. Easterby has extended his IRFU contract to June 2020.

Greg Feek joined the national coaching group on a full-time basis in 2014 having previously worked with Leinster and with the national team on a consultancy basis. Due to a change in personal circumstances Feek will take up a position with Japanese club side Ricoh in the coming weeks but will continue in his role with the Ireland national team through to the completion of the Rugby World Cup in Japan

David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented, “We have a world class coaching group that has driven and sustained high levels of performance on the international stage. They also support the work of the provinces with their technical expertise and play an important role in the development of young players on the pathway to international honours.”