**Johnny Sexton Joins Farrell’s Lions Coaching Team for Tour of Australia**
In a significant development within the rugby union landscape, former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton is set to join Andy Farrell’s coaching staff for the British and Irish Lions’ upcoming tour of Australia this summer. This appointment marks a notable transition for Sexton, who retired from professional rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Ireland’s international campaigns.
Sexton, who boasts an impressive rugby resume including two previous Lions tours in 2013 and 2017, is stepping into a coaching role after an enriching playing career that spanned over a decade. His extensive experience will be invaluable to the Lions, especially as they prepare for a challenging series against a formidable Australian side.
Since his retirement, Sexton has already begun to immerse himself in coaching, contributing to Ireland’s coaching team in a casual capacity since the Autumn Nations Series last November. This involvement has paved the way for his upcoming full-time role with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), set to commence on August 1. In this capacity, Sexton will not only coach the senior men’s team but will also work with various age-grade teams in both men’s and women’s divisions, ensuring his influence reaches a broader spectrum of players.
Upon announcing his new role, Sexton expressed enthusiasm and gratitude, stating, “I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the British and Irish Lions, and I would like to thank Andy for this incredible opportunity.” He acknowledged the unique challenges that lie ahead on the Australian tour, reflecting on the memories and ambitions associated with representing the Lions during his playing career.
The British and Irish Lions are expected to face Argentina in a warm-up match in Dublin on June 20 before embarking on their tour. The highly anticipated Tests against the Wallabies are set for July 19, July 26, and August 2, promising an action-packed schedule for the team.
Sexton’s contributions to the Lions extend beyond mere participation; he played an instrumental role in the Lions’ 2013 series victory over Australia and contributed additional Tests during the 2017 drawn series against New Zealand. However, he was notably absent from the Lions’ 2021 tour, a point of contention given his illustrious career.
He has accumulated an impressive number of caps for Ireland, earning 118 appearances and captaining the national team to significant victories, including a historic series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022. His tenure culminated in securing the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023, solidifying his legacy as one of Ireland’s finest players.
Andy Farrell, head coach of the British and Irish Lions, shared his insights on Sexton’s influence, recalling their first-time coaching experience together during the 2013 tour. Farrell emphasized Sexton’s passionate commitment to the Lions, stating, “His influence on that Lions team and that Series win—our only win in the last 24 years—cannot be underestimated.” This acknowledgment underscores the expertise and competitive spirit Sexton is expected to bring into the Lions’ coaching setup.
Adding to the coaching roster, Farrell has also recently appointed Richard Wigglesworth, Simon Easterby, John Dalziel, Andrew Goodman, and John Fogarty, creating a robust and diverse coaching team to support Sexton and enhance the team’s preparedness for the demanding tour.
David Humphreys, the performance director of the IRFU, expressed delight at securing Sexton’s long-term commitment while also recognizing the strategic importance of his involvement with men’s and women’s teams across all age groups. He noted, “In formally welcoming Johnny to the IRFU, I would also like to congratulate him on his selection with the British & Irish Lions.”
Overall, Sexton’s new position presents an exciting chapter in his career as he shifts from player to coach, with the potential to significantly influence the future of rugby both within the Irish setup and on the broader international stage as part of the British and Irish Lions.