Andy Farrell and Ireland now need to beware Italy's visit to the Aviva on Valentine's Day. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA
Head coach’s Lions sabbatical now looks unwise
Andy Farrell’s first Six Nations game back didn’t go so well and the wonder is why the IRFU allows its national coach to take a year off to tour with the British and Irish Lions.
In a modern game with so much emphasis placed on coaching and team cohesion, is it a good idea to allow another coach, no matter how capable (Simon Easterby), to take the reins for a year?
The question is whether Farrell would have been given the sabbatical if the IRFU had no financial interest in the Lions franchise.
What impact it had on Ireland’s opening performance, or the team in general, wi
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