Inside the Lions Camp: Andrew Goodman on Andy Farrell’s Magic

Goodman

Goodman, Ireland's backs coach, is one of coach Andy Farrell's four assistants on the tour, sharing the work with Simon Easterby, John Fogarty and Johnny Sexton.

Having worked with high-profile coaches Scott Robertson, now the All Blacks coach, while at the Crusaders, and Leo Cullen at Leinster, Goodman has been able to add Farrell to his CV.

Goodman talked to the Irish Express about Farrell's coaching approach on the tour.

"He's had his finger on the pulse the whole time. A big part of his philosophy as a coach is to make sure everyone is all in, all the time, on and off the field. You always add to the group.

"Just his motivation and his ability to bring the group together and his ability to make sure everyone has been all in together. Whether they are involved in Test matches or midweek games, it doesn't feel like there has been any separation the group whatsoever."

Goodman said Farrell was constantly demanding that the coaches drive the involvement of all players, whether they are starting or not.

"He's a great man-motivator, he's a great man around connecting the wider staff and management group as well.

"I'm learning stuff off him every day. He's an amazing coach, and it's a privilege to work underneath him." 

One of Farrell's innovations was to set up a Squid Games mini-team challenge with the training field set up to reflect the satirical Korean reality television show, where players risk their lives playing children's games.

"It keeps the boys engaged and fresh, and it's not just going into a meeting where it's rugby all the time. There are little bits like that that make it enjoyable as well.

"The field was covered in different things they could hide behind, and they had people in the top tier keeping an eye on people. It was a good craic.

"Every week we've done things like that. All part of touring, isn't it? Even with Ireland, it's a part of his week to make sure there's fun involved."

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