Farrell favourite to lead next tour says Lions chief

RUGBY UNION Andy Farrell's credentials to remain British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2029 tour to New Zealand have been endorsed by chief executive Ben Calveley.

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Farrell has steered the Lions to their first series triumph since 2013, with Saturday's 22-12 defeat by the Wallabies in Sydney the only loss of their nine-fixture visit to Australia.

Even if their march towards the whitewash was conclusively halted at the final hurdle, the 50-year-old Ireland boss has presided over a successful tour notable for its results, squad cohesion, commitment to playing rugby and the character shown to win the second Test in the dying seconds.

Planning for 2029 is already under way with Calveley promising a similar structure and number of games to the itinerary just completed, although the final midweek fixture will be looked at closely because of the disruption it causes to Test preparations.