Andy Farrell: Ireland coach expects “discussions” about the future among Muslim links

Ireland coach Andy Farrell says he expects to “sit down and have discussions” with the Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] On his future after he was linked to converting to Muslims.

Saracens last week issued a statement to distance the club from “disrespectful” reports they had offered Farrell a coaching role after the 2027 Rugby World Cup when his deal with Ireland expires.

The Premier League side said “no offer has been made” after the Irish Independent reported that Farrell had been approached with a deal worth more than £1 million a year to return to Surrey after next year’s tournament in Australia.

Mark McCall will step down from his position as Director of Rugby at Saracens at the end of the season and Brendan Venter will return to the role.

While Farrell admitted that he understood why he was linked to a role at his former club, where his son Owen currently plays, he said that “people put two and two together and make five.”

“You would expect me to say I’m here to focus on the Six Nations and what happens will be in the future,” Farrell said ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Wales on Friday.

“I suppose people put two and two together and make five, with the connections, good friends with the owner, Owen there and all that, so you can see why it happens.

“I assume we will sit down and have discussions with the IRFU in the near future, that’s for sure.”

Farrell, who played for Saracens as a player after moving from rugby league, joined the Ireland coaching staff under Joe Schmidt and became head coach after the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup.

The 50-year-old has led Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2023, and also took charge of the British and Irish Lions’ series win over Australia in the summer.