Warren Garland's believes Andy Farrell has made a mistake already as Lions boss

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Former British & Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland has called out current head coach Andy Farrell, saying the Irishman has made a major error in his Lions preparations.

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Andy Farrell: The New Man at the Helm

After steering Ireland to a Six Nations title in 2024, Farrell was handed the Lions' top job for their 2025 tour of Australia. However, the 49-year-old's decision to take a sabbatical—skipping the 2025 Six Nations—has sparked controversy, including sharp critique from Gatland, who coached the Lions on their last three tours in 2013, 2017, and 2021.

Gatland's Take

Writing in his Telegraph column, Gatland questioned Farrell's approach, suggesting he should have also skipped Ireland's recent Springboks series to dedicate more time to Lions preparation.

"I can understand why Andy wants to keep coaching with Ireland through to the autumn, and his side finished their tour of South Africa with a magnificent victory," Gatland acknowledged. "But I would have probably taken a sabbatical if there was the opportunity, so I could have been here in Australia, watching from a coaching perspective, taking a look around and doing the tour recce."

No Bad Blood… But a Warning

Gatland clarified his comments, stating: "That is definitely not me being critical of Andy. I totally understand why he wants to keep coaching at the highest level against the best teams, and he will have learned a lot from watching how the Irish players stood up to the challenge of playing the world champions away from home."

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Why Australia is Different

The Welsh coach also shared insights from his own Lions experiences, contrasting the unique pressures of different host nations.

"Of the Lions' host nations, Australia is probably the least intimidating because rugby union is competing for attention with the AFL, rugby league and football," he explained. "I can remember travelling to Melbourne on the 2013 tour and someone asking me who were all the people in red jerseys. They had no idea the Lions tour was even on."

By comparison, Gatland described the atmosphere in South Africa and New Zealand as far more intense: "At times during a Lions tour you can feel that the world is caving in on you because of the intense interest in the game."

A Silver Lining?

Despite his critique, Gatland noted that Australia's relaxed sporting landscape could work to Farrell's advantage: "Australia makes for a more enjoyable tour from a coaching perspective because you come here, visit great cities and the weather is normally pretty good."

Farrell's Lions tenure may still be in its infancy, but it's clear the road ahead won't be without its challenges—and its critics.

How the British & Irish Lions XV would look right now, zero Welshmen included

As the Autumn Nations Series unfolds, we assess how the British & Irish Lions would line up based on current form, with key players from England, Ireland, and Scotland leading the charge as they prepare for the upcoming challenge in Australia.

Fullback

Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Keenan's consistency under the high ball and his sharp counter-attacking ability make him the perfect fit for the British & Irish Lions’ fullback spot. After his excellent performances this autumn, it's hard to look beyond the Irishman for a starting role in the upcoming Lions tour to Australia.

Right Wing

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Despite being relatively new on the scene, Feyi-Waboso has made waves this autumn with his pace and attacking flair. His try-scoring instincts make him an exciting prospect for the Lions as they look for a cutting edge on the wing.

Centre

Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Ringrose is in excellent form this autumn, showing off his vision, defensive solidity, and dynamic attacking capabilities. He's a perfect fit for the Lions' centre spot, offering leadership and experience in the midfield.

Inside Centre

Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Tuipulotu's robust ball-carrying and defensive prowess make him the ideal partner for Ringrose in the centres. His ability to break the gainline and make those powerful runs could be the key to unlocking opposition defences on tour.

Left Wing

Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Van der Merwe has shown his usual strength and finishing ability during the autumn internationals. His power and ability to shrug off tackles could prove crucial for the Lions as they look to dominate in Australia.

Fly-Half

Marcus Smith (England)
Smith has been a standout for England, showcasing his playmaking flair and ability to control the game from fly-half. He brings the attacking vision the Lions need in Australia, with an added sense of unpredictability.

Scrum-Half

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
The Irish scrum-half has been in electric form, displaying speed, accuracy, and intelligence. His quick service and sharp decision-making make him the ideal candidate to guide the Lions’ attack in the Southern Hemisphere.

Loosehead Prop

Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Porter has been a dominant force in the scrum, and his all-around work ethic makes him one of the best looseheads in the northern hemisphere. Expect him to anchor the Lions’ front row with power and precision.

Hooker

Jamie George (England)
George continues to impress with his lineout accuracy and leadership. His work at the breakdown and his ability to control the pace of the game make him an indispensable figure in the Lions’ pack. Plus, his experience on previous tours to New Zealand and South Africa will be invaluable.

Tighthead Prop

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
One of the best in the world, Furlong's scrummaging and carrying ability make him the cornerstone of the Lions’ forward pack. His technical skill is unrivalled, and his form this autumn has only reaffirmed his place as a starter.

Lock

Maro Itoje (England)
Itoje's dynamic work at the lineout and his physicality in open play make him a must-pick for the Lions. His presence in the engine room would give the Lions a physical and mental edge in Australia.

Lock

Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
McCarthy has shown tremendous potential this autumn, displaying both physicality and technical accuracy. His combination of strength and mobility gives the Lions a second-row option who can excel at the set-piece and in open play.

Blindside Flanker

Chandler Cunningham-South (England)
Cunningham-South has impressed with his work rate, ball carrying, and defensive capabilities. His versatile skill set makes him a standout player in the back row and an ideal choice for the Lions’ blindside.

Openside Flanker

Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Van der Flier has been everywhere this autumn, showing his tireless work rate and tackling ability. A strong performer at the breakdown, he would be vital for the Lions to slow down Australia's ball and disrupt their attack.

Number Eight

Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Doris has been in exceptional form, blending power with finesse in attack and defence. His ability to carry the ball and link play would make him an ideal choice as the Lions’ number eight on tour.

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