The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension until the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The 48-year-old took the reins from Joe Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup, having previously been hired as their defence coach in 2016 before being promoted to the top job.

During his tenure, Farrell led Ireland to top spot in the world rankings, as well as the Grand Slam and Triple Crown en route to the 2023 Six Nations title - Ireland's first since 2018.

However, Farrell was unable to lift Ireland's World Cup quarter-final curse, as the world's former top-ranked nation suffered their fourth successive last-eight defeat to New Zealand in October.

Despite failing to guide Ireland to a maiden World Cup semi-final, Farrell was named the World Rugby Coach of the Year, and outside of major tournaments, the 48-year-old also oversaw a thrilling series win in New Zealand in 2022.

Speaking to irishrugby.ie after signing his contract extension, Farrell said: "Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU.

"It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.

"There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the recent Ireland U20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future. It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue."

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora added: "Over the course of the last four years Andy has helped drive the highest standards for the men's national team and it is testament to the positive environment which he and his backroom team have fostered that Ireland has enjoyed such a sustained period of success in recent times.

"Andy is an ambitious and talented coach who continues to make an indelible mark on Irish rugby, and it is a significant coup to retain his services. I have no doubt that he will look to build in the years to come."

Finally, IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts hailed Farrell's "world-class" coaching qualities as the Ireland boss committed his future to the Six Nations holders, adding: "The IRFU is determined to attract and retain top class coaching talent and we are delighted to announce Andy's contract extension, which is a hugely positive boost for the game in Ireland.

"Andy is a world-class coach and an inspirational leader of great talent and integrity who has already made a significant contribution to Irish rugby through his leadership of our men's national team. We are extremely pleased that he has agreed to remain in Ireland."

Farrell boasts a winning rate of 80% from his time in charge of Ireland, having overseen 36 victories and nine defeats from 45 matches since overseeing a 19-12 win over Scotland in his first match at the helm.

Ireland begin the defence of their Six Nations title against France at the Orange Velodrome on February 2, nine days before welcoming Italy to Dublin for their first home fixture of 2024. body check tags ::