Farrell 'unbelievably proud' of Lions series win

Head coach Andy Farrell said the British and Irish Lions were disappointed to have lost the final Test to Australia but should be "unbelievably proud" to win the series.

Farrell's side had been seeking to clinch the Lions' first 3-0 series whitewash since the 1927 tour of Argentina but failed to compete with Australia's physicality as the hosts ran out 22-12 winners in torrential rain.

The defeat also ended the Lions' 100% winning record on Australian soil as they failed to emulate the 1974 side, who were the last Lions team to go unbeaten on tour.

"There's going to be frustration there - all along we've said we want to win every game," said Farrell, who did not rule out coaching the side again.

"The best team won on the night. It might take one or it might take two beers but they'll be unbelievably proud of what they've achieved on this tour. On reflection we can be unbelievably proud.

"The legacy for us is in the changing room. The togetherness - it's been an absolute delight.

"We've played some outstanding rugby and that's accumulated into a performance that last week ended up being a moment that will stay with us forever."

The Lions secured their first series win since the 2013 tour of Australia, but did speak openly about wanting to win 3-0.

The Wallabies - who for the first time in their history failed to qualify for the knockout stage of a Rugby World Cup in 2023 - improved as the series went on after starting slow in the first Test in Brisbane.

Joe Schmidt's side were much improved in the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, but could not hold on to an 18-point lead as Hugo Keenan's last-minute try snatched a series win for the tourists.

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