BOD, Hook and D'Arcy deliver their verdict on Andy Farrell's new Ireland role

The rugby league legend’s role will start at this summer’s tour to South Africa.

Rugby Union - 2015 RBS Six Nations - Ireland v England - England Captains Run - Aviva Stadium Andy Farrell (right) with Graham Rowntree before last February's Six Nations match at the Aviva between Ireland and England. Niall Carson Niall Carson

TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT Andy Farrell will become Irish rugby’s new defence coach was a bolt from the blue.

Farrell will replace Les Kiss on a three and a half year contract but not until after this year’s Six Nations.

Well-known rugby personalities weighed in with their views on the appointment.

1. Brian O’Driscoll

So Andy Farrell new @IrishRugby defence coach! Decent business that. Very good coach and motivator. Expect line speed & great kick chase.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) January 6, 2016

Brian O'Driscoll / Twitter

2. George Hook

We seem utterly incapable of believing we can do it ourselves so we have gone and appointed Andy Farrell. Incredible !
— George Hook (@ghook) January 6, 2016

George Hook / Twitter

3. Gordon D’Arcy

Still a good appointment 😂😂👍👍
— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) January 6, 2016

Gordon D'Arcy / Twitter

And there was no shortage of reaction elsewhere to the addition of Farrell.

Andy Farrell is going to have to prime Sean O'Brien to take his son's head off. Funny meeting, that'll be.
— David Flatman (@davidflatman) January 6, 2016

David Flatman / Twitter

When I heard Andy Farrell was announced as Irish rugby defence coach, I genuinely thought @WhispersNewsLTD were behind it.
— Eoin McHugh (@eoinmcq9) January 6, 2016

Eoin McHugh / Twitter

Andy Farrell has been appointed Ireland's defence coach. Stunned by that. Should be fun. #IRFU
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) January 6, 2016

Murray Kinsella / Twitter

Didn't see that one coming - Sam Burgess #1 fan replaces Kissy as Ireland defence coach. Good CV. Plus the Burgess thing
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) January 6, 2016

Whiff of Cordite / Twitter

Andy Farrell plotting strategies against his own son will be interesting to say the least. Interesting dinner table conversations ahead.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) January 6, 2016

Cian Tracey / Twitter

BOD, Hook and D'Arcy deliver their verdict on Andy Farrell's new Ireland role

1. Brian O’Driscoll

2. George Hook

3. Gordon D’Arcy

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Andy Farrell not a popular or expected appointment, just a more than qualified one

Ireland appoint ex-England defence coach Andy Farrell on three-year contract