Why is Andy Farrell Ireland defence coach when son Owen Farrell plays for England?

The cross-code former England star will be on the Irish bench as defence coach while his son captains the Red Rose.

Six Nations 2019 fixtures, results and standings

Why is Andy Farrell the Ireland defence coach?

After a year as Saracens first team coach, Farrell joined England's coaching team in 2012.

In 2013, he toured with the British and Irish Lions as defence coach in Australia, earning special praise from Warren Gatland.

Farrell was then sacked by new England coach Eddie Jones in 2015 after the Australian took over following a group stage World Cup exit.

Interestingly, son Owen would then progress to become England captain under Jones after Dylan Hartley was dropped.

Partly as a result of his successful British and Irish Lions campaign, Andy Farrell was then picked up by Ireland and named defence coach in 2016.

He then helped the Irish to a Six Nations grand slam in 2018.

And the two Farrells could be set for one of sport's longest standing father-son rivalries as Andy is scheduled to take over from Joe Schmidt as Ireland Director of Rugby after the World Cup.

Source: Read Full Article