Former Lions coach Warren Gatland has hit out at current chief Andy Farrell, claiming he’s made a huge blunder right out of the gate.
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Farrell, who recently steered Ireland to Six Nations glory in 2024, has been handed the reins for the iconic Lions tour in Australia. The 49-year-old has announced he will take a sabbatical in 2025, skipping the first half of the year—including the Six Nations—to focus on his Lions responsibilities.
But Gatland, who led the Lions on their 2013, 2017, and 2021 tours, believes Farrell should also sit out the Springboks series to better prepare for the daunting task ahead.
“I can understand why Andy wants to keep coaching with Ireland through to the autumn, and his side finished their tour of South Africa with a magnificent victory,” he wrote in his Telegraph column.
“But I would have probably taken a sabbatical if there was the opportunity, so I could have been here in Australia, watching from a coaching perspective, taking a look around and doing the tour recce.
“That is definitely not me being critical of Andy. I totally understand why he wants to keep coaching at the highest level against the best teams, and he will have learned a lot from watching how the Irish players stood up to the challenge of playing the world champions away from home.”
Gatland added: “Of the Lions’ host nations, Australia is probably the least intimidating because rugby union is competing for attention with the AFL, rugby league and football,” the current Wales boss wrote.
“I can remember travelling to Melbourne on the 2013 tour and someone asking me who were all the people in red jerseys. They had no idea the Lions tour was even on.
“That is in sharp contrast to New Zealand and South Africa, where at times during a Lions tour you can feel that the world is caving in on you because of the intense interest in the game.
“Australia makes for a more enjoyable tour from a coaching perspective because you come here, visit great cities and the weather is normally pretty good.”
Sam Warburton names his 2025 British & Irish Lions XV
Wales legend Sam Warburton believes five England players deserve starting spots for the British & Irish Lions in next summer’s three-Test series in Australia.
Writing in his Times column, Wales’ Rugby World Cup co-captain Jac Morgan was the sole Welshman in his starting XV.
Warburton also surprised many by including Bath tighthead Archie Griffin on the bench, following the 22-year-old’s impressive performances for Wales in Australia this summer.
He also selected Wales hooker Dewi Lake among his replacements.
Despite Wales’ nine consecutive Test defeats, the former Lions captain remains confident in their potential to contribute strongly to the Lions next summer.
Sam Warburton’s 2025 Lions team:
15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
