Andy Farrell: Wife, Salary, Ireland Contract & Life in Dublin

When an English rugby league legend takes the helm of Ireland’s national union side, eyebrows are raised, but Andy Farrell has not only silenced doubters — he and his family have settled in Dublin, and in June 2026 he signed a contract extension tying him to Ireland through 2031. This guide walks through his biography, family life, reported salary, and what his long-term deal means for Irish rugby.

Full name: Andrew David Farrell · Date of birth: 30 May 1975 · Current role: Ireland men’s head coach (signed through 2031) · Nationality: English · Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)

Six key facts, one pattern: Farrell’s career has been a steady climb from player to long-term national coach, with each step backed by concrete results.

Is Andy Farrell’s wife Irish?

Yes. Farrell’s wife, Colleen O’Loughlin, was born in County Wexford, Ireland. They met as teenagers in Wigan, where O’Loughlin’s brother Sean (a former rugby league star) played alongside Farrell at the Warriors. The couple married in 1995, according to Wikipedia. Colleen has remained based in Ireland since the family’s move to Dublin in 2013, and Farrell has described her as “happy being back home”.

Who is Colleen Farrell?

• Irish-born, from Wexford (The Sun)
• Sister of former Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin (Wikipedia)
• Mother of three children; their eldest son Owen was born when Colleen was 16, per The Sun

Where did Andy Farrell meet his wife?

Farrell and O’Loughlin met as teenagers in Wigan, introduced through rugby league circles. “It was a typical northern rugby town romance,” Farrell has said in interviews. The couple have remained together ever since, marrying when Farrell was 20 and O’Loughlin 19.

Does Andy Farrell live in Ireland?

Yes. Farrell and his family have lived in Dublin since he moved there in 2013 to join the Ireland coaching staff under Joe Schmidt. In a July 2026 interview with The42, Farrell confirmed they “love living in Dublin.” He also noted that one of his daughters lives in England while two children still live at home in Dublin.

Where in Ireland does the Farrell family live?

They reside in the southern suburbs of Dublin, near the IRFU’s high-performance centre. Farrell has made no secret of his affection for the city, saying “it feels like home.” The family’s permanent residence in Ireland was a key factor in his decision to sign the contract extension through 2031.

How long has Andy Farrell lived in Ireland?

Since 2013 — more than 13 years as of 2026. That period includes three years as defence coach under Schmidt, then head coach from 2019 onward. The longevity makes him eligible for Irish citizenship by naturalisation, though he has not publicly applied.

How much is Andy Farrell paid?

Exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed by the Irish Rugby Football Union. Estimates from sports finance analysts suggest Farrell earns between £600,000 and £800,000 per year, placing him among the higher-paid national rugby coaches but below top-tier football managers. The 2026 extension likely included a raise, but the IRFU has not confirmed terms.

What is Andy Farrell’s salary as Ireland head coach?

• Estimated base: £600k–£800k annually (The42 estimate)
• Performance bonuses (Six Nations, Grand Slam) are not itemised
• No official IRFU disclosure exists

How does his pay compare to other top rugby coaches?

Comparisons are difficult because many federations keep salaries private. However, reports place New Zealand’s Scott Robertson and England’s Steve Borthwick in similar ranges. Farrell’s package is believed to include accommodation and schooling support, reflecting the IRFU’s investment in retaining him.

What does Andy Farrell do now?

Farrell is the head coach of the Ireland men’s national rugby union team. He was appointed in 2019 after serving three years as defence coach under Joe Schmidt, as reported by BBC Sport. He also served as head coach of the British & Irish Lions during the 2025 tour of Australia, a role that added to his international reputation.

Andy Farrell’s roles and responsibilities

• Head coach of Ireland (since 2019)
• Responsible for match strategy, squad selection, and overall team culture
• Oversees a coaching team that includes forwards, backs, and defence specialists
• Signed contract extension through 2031 (ESPN)

Is Andy Farrell still involved with the British & Irish Lions?

His head coach role for the 2025 Lions tour is complete. He may be considered for future tours, but his primary focus remains Ireland. The Lions website describes him as “one of the most respected coaches in the game” after his success with Ireland (British & Irish Lions).

Is Andy Farrell Irish?

No. He is English, born in Wigan, and has never represented Ireland as a player. However, he has lived in Ireland since 2013 and coaches the Irish national team. Under World Rugby rules, he could have qualified for Ireland on residency before the rules tightened, but he never pursued that path.

Andy Farrell nationality

English. Both his parents are English. Farrell played for England in rugby union (2007) and captained Great Britain at rugby league. There is no Irish blood or citizenship — just a professional and personal commitment to Ireland.

How did an English-born coach lead Ireland?

Farrell’s move to Ireland in 2013 as defence coach was a strategic hire by Joe Schmidt. His talent was clear, and when Schmidt departed after the 2019 World Cup, the IRFU promoted Farrell. His success — two Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, and a world No. 1 ranking — has silenced any questions about his background.

How much is Andy Farrell worth?

Net worth estimates range from £5 million to £10 million, accumulated from a playing career at Wigan Warriors and Saracens, followed by coaching salaries. No official figures exist because most of his earnings came before modern transparency rules.

Andy Farrell net worth estimate

• Rugby league career: earned top wages at Wigan and as Great Britain captain (Wikipedia)
• Rugby union playing: two seasons at Saracens, plus England caps
• Coaching: IRFU salary, Lions tour fee
• Endorsements: limited, mainly equipment deals

Does his wealth come from playing or coaching?

The bulk likely came from his playing days. Farrell was one of rugby league’s highest-paid players in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Coaching has added stable income but less spectacular sums.

How old is Andy Farrell?

Born 30 May 1975, Farrell is 51 years old as of 2026. He stands 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) tall.

Andy Farrell height and age

Bio stats of the Ireland head coach

• Wigan Warriors debut: 1996 (aged 21)
• Great Britain captain: 2004–2007
• Switch to union: 2005
• England union debut: 2007 (aged 32)
• Ireland head coach appointment: 2019 (aged 44)

Farrell’s story is one of adaptation and commitment. From a Wigan prodigy to the longest-tenured Ireland coach in the professional era, he has built something rare: a top-tier international coach whose family life is as rooted in his adopted country as his professional ambition. For Irish rugby fans, the implication is clear: Farrell will be the face of the team through at least two World Cup cycles, providing stability that few nations can match.

Beyond his coaching achievements, Andy Farrell’s personal life and contract have been covered in Andy Farrells biography and net worth.

Frequently asked questions