ANDY FARRELL revealed last night that being named head coach of the Lions is the realisation of a lifelong dream.
The rugby league legend was the outstanding candidate to lead the best of British and Irish rugby on next year's nine-match tour of Australia.
Taking Ireland to the Six Nations Grand Slam and No.1 in the world rankings made it a one-horse race.
Yet the selection process involving Lions chairman Ieuan Evans, Nigel Redman, Sir Ian McGeechan and Brian O'Driscoll still took six months.
And when first offered the job by Lions chief executive Ben Calveley, Farrell admits he almost had to almost pinch himself.
"To be called up as a candidate for the head coach's role is pretty special to be chosen is pretty magical," said the 48-year old.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 12, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 12, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
BARRY: WE'RE NOT AN ISLAND
Hearn: Fans must move with the times and accept foreign owners
STING WHEN I'M WINNING
Rory goes for his sixth European Order of Merit crown... but admits US Open meltdown still hurts
On stage, on screen, on canal boat... just the best
Over a 60-year career on stage and screen, Timothy West has taken on many titles - King, Prime Minister, Professor, Private. He was a captain of industry, a father figure and a love interest.
'I should have been braver over Letby'
THE TV doctor who helped expose Lucy Letby has told an inquiry he should have had more courage in voicing his concerns.
CAR THAT PROVES WHY Cop MATTERS
Spain set for more floods | PM calls for climate action
My Chitty Chitty banger
Model-maker, 92, turns old scooter into magical car
'Woman trafficked by AI Fayed saw enough photos of victims to fill shoebox'
Accuser calls on brother to give evidence of the alleged crimes of store tycoon
MEDICS ALLOWED AN OPT OUT ON ASSISTED DYING
Streeting: Moral objections a 'red line'
ELONATICS TAKING OVER THE USYLUM
Ridicule as Musk joins Trump's team | He surrounds himself with loyalists
PHARMACISTS VOTE FOR WORK TO RULE
Cuts and closures force move