Ireland coach Andy Farrell has been confirmed as head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the 2025 tour of Australia.

He succeeds Warren Gatland in the role.

The 48 year old will start his assignment in December of this year and work solely with the Lions until the conclusion of the Tour in August of next year.

This means that the IRFU will have to install a caretaker head coach for next year's Six Nations Championship.

Farrell worked under Gatland on the 2013 and 2017 Lions Tours.

His contract with Ireland runs until the end of the 2027 World Cup.

There's been no confirmation so far as to the make up of Farrell's backroom team.