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.
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