RUGBY icon Johnny Wilkinson has hailed Ireland head coach Andy Farrell ahead of their Six Nations Championship clash against Wales.
The Ireland boss has been forced into taking a sabbatical ahead of him leading the British and Lions later this summer on their Tour of Australia.
But former out-half Wilkinson says Farrell’s absence is no worry for interim boss Simon Easterby as he’s left a massive imprint on the culture in the squad.
World Cup winning number ten Wilkinson played with Farrell during their time together at Saracens.
45-year-old Wilkinson hailed Faz for his man management skills before crediting the atmosphere that he’s built around the Ireland set-up.
Speaking on the Rugby Pod with Dan Biggar, Wilkinson said: “I played with Andy—he knows the game inside out. He understands it from 1 to 15, and he gets players too.
“He’s willing to understand them, to connect, and to build bonds and friendships that exist regardless of selection or non-selection.
“That’s exactly what he’s done with Ireland.
“He’s created an environment where players leave their club and feel like they’re moving to another club, rather than just joining a group of individuals in an international team.
“There’s a sense of home when they come in—not just a place where they feel safe, comfortable, supported, and cared for—but also an environment that drives them, that pushes them to see how far they can go.
“That combination is incredibly empowering. You see it in the way they’ve taken off—their understanding, their self-belief, the conviction, the ruthlessness.
“They just keep delivering, and in those 50/50 moments, they always seem to find a way to win.”
Ireland face Wales this weekend in Cardiff as they look to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.
The green machine are also on course for a record-breaking third successive title.
Wales sacked head coach Warren Gatland last week after a 14-game losing streak.
Kick-off is at 2:15pm on Saturday.
