Andy Farrell tips ‘second to none’ Ireland coaches to excel in his absence - Simon Easterby has taken over from head coach Farrell on an interim basis.

Andy Farrell expects a “seamless” transition in the Ireland camp during his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions. Farrell will temporarily depart his head coach role following Saturday’s clash with Joe Schmidt’s Australia in order to lead next year’s Lions series against the same nation.

Andy Farrell doesn't believe that his Ireland team struggle with the favourites tag despite another lacklustre performance to end their Autumn Nations Series.