LIONS PRIDE AS FARRELL REALISES A BIG DREAM

'Magical' moment to be chosen as coach

- Alex Spink

ANDY FARRELL revealed that being named head coach of the British & Irish Lions is the realisation of a lifelong dream.

The rugby league legend was the outstanding candidate to lead next year’s nine-match tour of Australia.

Taking Ireland to the Six Nations Grand Slam and No.1 in the world rankings made it a one-horse race. But the selection process involving Lions chairman Ieuan Evans, Nigel Redman, Sir Ian McGeechan and Brian O’Driscoll still took six months.

When first offered the job by Lions chief executive Ben Calveley, Farrell admits he almost had to almost pinch himself.

“To be called up as a candidate for the head coach’s role is pretty special, to be chosen is pretty magical,” said the 48-year-old. “Almost beyond words.

“You can imagine how much I am bursting with pride. I’ve got a lot of people to thank for making this dream come true.”