Donal Lenihan believes Andy Farrell's appointment as head coach of the Lions can boost Ireland's hopes at the 2027 World Cup.
On Thursday, Farrell was confirmed as Warren Gatland's successor for the 2025 tour of Australia.
The Englishman worked as an assistant coach to Gatland on the 2013 and 2017 tours, and will take a sabbatical from his post with Ireland for the 2025 Six Nations in preparation for the trip Down Under.
Ireland have yet to make it past the quarter-final stages of a World Cup, losing 28-24 in the last-eight stage against New Zealand in the most recent edition. But Lenihan says Farrell can glean crucial experience in his role as Lions leader that will benefit Ireland at the next World Cup, which also takes place in Australia.
"I actually think it's a positive for Ireland," he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
"When you think about it, you have a hugely experienced coaching group that will be together for another two years. He only stands back from the Ireland setup in December of this year so in effect that's next season's Six Nations Championship.
"I think it'll benefit Ireland on two fronts. Number one, he'll get to know the players from the other countries intimately. But secondly, the next World Cup is in Australia so having been out there two years in advanace of that, managing a group like the Lions will only benefit Ireland as well."
Lenihan pinpointed Ireland's tour to New Zealand two years ago as the period in which Farrell (below) proved he really has the chops to take charge of the Lions, and said he possesses all the traits required to flourish in the role.
"The decisive factor in his appointment I think goes back back to the Ireland tour to New Zealand in 2022," Lenihan added.
"They lost the opening game against the Maori [All Blacks], they lost the first Test, but yet he had the resilience to hang in there and created history with Ireland winning that series.
"For me he is the standout man. He was the outstanding candidate and the obvious choice. He ticks every box. He's been on two Lions tours as an assistant coach, but more importantly I think he knows the unique challenges that you face on a Lions tour and he has the skillset to master them.
"He's an outstanding selector, he's brilliant at creating the right environment which is hugely important, and on top of that he has massive respect. I think all the players would fully come behind him."
