Farrell’s Lions missed out on a whitewash but the head coach has been well liked by his squad and got a lot of bold calls right

Andy Farrell has attacked “insulting” suggestions that Australia should be removed from the Lions touring schedule, claiming it would be “tragic” if they did not return Down Under in 12 years’ time.

Andy Farrell will be top of the Lions hitlist when they start the hunt for the man to coach them in New Zealand in 2029. Farrell, who oversaw the 2-1 series win in Australia, refused to rule out a return to the hot seat after his side’s 22-12 defeat to the Wallabies on Saturday in Sydney.