Former England assistant Andy Farrell appointed Ireland defence coach

Andy Farrell has agreed to become Ireland's new defence coach, the Irish Rugby Football Union have announced.

The 40-year-old, who was axed as England assistant after the recent World Cup, will take up the role following the Six Nations Championship.

His contract will run until the completion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Farrell said: "To have this opportunity to work with a very talented management and playing group really excites me.

"With a wealth of top class experienced senior players and a fantastic crop of youngsters pushing hard the future is very positive for Irish rugby and I can't wait to get started."

Farrell was Stuart Lancaster's right-hand man for England from 2011 to 2015.

He was initially praised for his influence in the international set-up and was defence coach for the 2013 series-winning British and Irish Lions tour. 

But he drew criticism for his role in England's woeful World Cup campaign on home soil at the end of last year and left his position in December after Lancaster’s sacking.

He had been linked with a return to Saracens, with whom he began his coaching career, but has now been tempted to make a swift return to the international game.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt said: "It's great to have Andy coming into our coaching team.

"The quality of his delivery and breadth of his experience as well as the positive impact he had when coaching a number of our senior players during the 2013 Lions tour will add real value for us."