Andy Farrell has reportedly become the highest-paid coach in world rugby after agreeing a lucrative new long-term contract with Ireland.
The 51-year-old has committed his future to the IRFU through to the 2031 Rugby World Cup, ending any speculation linking him with a return to England or a move into club rugby.
According to reports, Farrell’s new deal is worth around £800,000 per year, putting him ahead of some of the biggest names in the sport.
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Farrell has transformed Ireland into one of the world’s leading teams since taking charge in 2019, delivering multiple Six Nations titles and establishing the men in green as consistent contenders on the global stage.
With his new salary reportedly setting a new benchmark in international rugby, here’s a look at the highest-paid coaches in the game.
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5. Eddie Jones (Japan) – c. £600,000 per year
Back in charge of Japan, Jones remains one of rugby’s biggest coaching names and continues to command a salary that places him among the game’s highest earners. Despite mixed fortunes since returning to the Brave Blossoms, his reputation and experience ensure he remains among the elite.
4. Dave Rennie (New Zealand) – c. £600,000 per year
Following Scott Robertson’s departure, Rennie returned to the All Blacks setup and is believed to be on a package comparable to his predecessor. The former Australia coach faces enormous expectations as he looks to restore New Zealand’s dominance on the world stage.
3. Rassie Erasmus (South Africa) – c. £650,000 per year
The mastermind behind South Africa’s modern golden era remains one of the most influential figures in rugby. Erasmus helped guide the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs and continues to play a central role in the nation’s success.
2. Steve Borthwick (England) – c. £700,000 per year
England’s head coach has long been regarded as one of the highest-paid coaches in international rugby. The RFU’s financial strength has enabled Borthwick to command a salary befitting one of the sport’s most high-pressure jobs.
POLL:
1. Andy Farrell (Ireland) – £800,000 per year
Farrell’s new IRFU contract is reportedly worth around £800,000 annually. If the figures are accurate, it moves him above Borthwick and makes him the highest-paid coach in world rugby.
The deal secures Farrell’s future with Ireland through to the 2031 Rugby World Cup and represents a major statement of intent from the IRFU as they look to build on the success achieved during his tenure.
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Meet the talented Four Children of Lions Coach Andy Farrell: Two Sons, Two Daughters
The one person Andy Farrell can always count on is his wife, Colleen. Childhood sweethearts from Wigan with deep Irish roots, the pair became parents at just 16 and married in 1995.
Nearly three decades on, they’ve built an unshakable partnership—weathering the chaos of young parenthood, the pressures of elite sport, and a family move to Ireland.
Now Ireland head coach and set to lead the Lions in 2025, Andy credits Colleen as his steady force behind the scenes. Sister to Andy’s former teammate Sean O’Loughlin, Colleen has become the stylish, sporty matriarch of a close-knit rugby dynasty.
Though she avoids the limelight, Colleen recently broke a rowing world record for charity and is known for her wit, strength, and support. Together, they’ve raised four children—including England captain Owen.
Let’s meet the Farrell kids below
Owen Farrell
Farrell is one of the most influential figures in modern rugby. Born on September 24, 1991, in Billinge, England, Farrell is the son of rugby league legend Andy Farrell. From an early age, rugby was in his blood, and he made his professional debut for Saracens at just 17.
A composed, hard-nosed competitor, Farrell quickly established himself as one of the best fly-halves in world rugby. Renowned for his pinpoint goal-kicking, defensive grit, and tactical intelligence, he has become synonymous with England’s modern era. Since making his international debut in 2012, Farrell has amassed over 100 caps for England and served as captain in multiple campaigns, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where England reached the final.
He is England’s all-time leading points scorer, overtaking Jonny Wilkinson, and has also been a central figure for the British & Irish Lions, featuring in three tours (2013, 2017, and 2021). At club level, Farrell has helped Saracens to multiple Premiership and European Champions Cup titles, becoming one of the club’s all-time greats.
Often polarizing due to his confrontational playing style and fiery demeanor, Farrell commands respect for his consistency, leadership, and competitive spirit. Off the field, he is known to be private, intensely focused, and dedicated to the sport.
As the son of Andy Farrell and now a senior statesman of the game, Owen Farrell’s legacy continues to grow — not just as a world-class No. 10, but as one of rugby’s defining figures of the 21st century.
Elleshia Farrell
Talent coordinator for Enstar Group, a leading global insurance group that delivers innovative insurance solutions through our network of group companies.
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