Warren Gatland says Andy Farrell could still be called up to join the coaching staff for the upcoming British and Lions tours to South Africa in the summer.
Farrell late last week named Robin McBryde and Steve Tandy as two more additions to his coaching staff after Farrell, Graham Rowntree, and Steve Borthwick all declared themselves unavailable for the June 27 departure to South Africa. Farrell’s unavailability is said to be the result of a decision to remain in Ireland for the country’s scheduled tour of the Pacific Islands. But since Ireland’s tour remains in doubt, Farrell remains a possibility for the SA tour, which is due to kick off on the Highveld before continuing on to Cape Town for the first Test.
The South African government, in the meantime, remains positive and hopeful over the likelihood of crowds of up to 50 per cent capacity being able to attend once the tour arrives in the country’s mother city.
Although Farrell’s area of expertise has traditionally been that of defence, which is a job now fulfilled by Tandy, it’s no secret that his experience would be pure gold against the South African Springboks. And it’s exactly this expectation Gatland said is the reason behind one of the coaching spots having been left open.
Gatland also recently commented on ongoing discussions over the possibility of all touring players being lined up for a vaccination jab before departing for South Africa. The head coach said although he would not be asking for any special treatment, he hoped that all English as well as Irish players would be jabbed in good time ahead of the tour.
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