League legend gives three reasons why Andy Farrell cracked union

A fellow former rugby league great has outlined the three things that have made Ireland coach Andy Farrell such a soaraway success in union. Having starred in league, winning multiple trophies and representing Wigan, England and Britain, the now 49-year-old made the switch to union in 2005 when he joined Saracens, going on to play in the England Test team midfield two years later.

It was 2009 when Farrell hung up his boots and he has since carved out a successful union coaching career, starting at Saracens before working internationally with England and Ireland as an assistant specialising in defence.

He has now become the Ireland head coach, leading them to back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024, and will take a sabbatical from that role following the November Autumn Nations Series to serve as head coach on the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

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Jamie Peacock was an England and Britain teammate of Farrell during his league playing days and having recently joined him in that sport’s hall of fame, he has spoken about the success of players from his playing era becoming successful union coaches.

Appearing on the latest episode of The Rugby Pod, Peacock was asked: “Talk to us about the legends of your generation that have crossed over unto union, so the headline ones would be Shaun Edwards, Andy Farrell. Lee Radford and Kevin Sinfield. Do you chat to them? Was there a little joking around when they moved over from league to union?”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

22

25

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

20%

Peacock replied: “I don’t know Shaun too well but obviously I played a long time with Lee Radford together at Bradford and I’m not surprised he has made it as a coach (at Northampton). Him and Andy Farrell have got the same kind of three things you need to be a great coach.

“They were both quite exceptionally hard men. They were both rugby nerds as well, they love their rugby. And they are good with people. Lee is funny, he is emotional intelligent and Andy is the same, he has got those three things.

“It was a big thing when Andy moved in 2005. He had been in your game now for 20 years and it’s probably no surprise that he has had the success he has had. He was a beast of a player, highly respected, a tough guy but a smart bloke as well.

“You can see he has pivoted his leadership style since he was in rugby league to where he is at now 20 years later.

“And then for Kev, it’s his integrity as a man that people like and respect. That is what I admired when I played alongside him when he was captain at the Rhinos, just the values that he has got. The values that Kev has got make you want to be a better person. There is not many people you can say that about.

“I’m not surprised that the three that I knew really well have made it and made an impact in it.”

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