Staff Reporter.
Former international fly-half Johnny Sexton has been appointed as assistant coach of Ireland and will also take up a coaching role with the British and Irish Lions, the Irish rugby union (IRFU) announced Thursday.
The 39-year-old has been involved with the Ireland men’s squad in a part-time coaching capacity since autumn 2024 and will now also work with men’s and women’s underage sides in addition to his fulltime assistant coaching role of the senior team.
Sexton, who retired after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, played on two Lions tours in 2013 and 2017.
“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,” said Sexton.
“It promises to be an exciting tour to Australia and I know from experience the challenges that awaits us.
“Playing for the Lions was a huge ambition of mine during my playing career and my memories of those Tours to Australia and New Zealand will stay with me forever.”
The British and Irish Lions will face Argentina in a send-off game in Dublin on 20 June before travelling to Australia.
The three Tests against the Wallabies will take place on 19 July, 26 July and 2 August.
Sexton started all three Tests of the Lions’ 2013 series win over Australia and a further two in the drawn series with New Zealand in 2017, but was overlooked for selection in 2021.
The 2018 world player of the year earned 118 Ireland caps and captained the team to a series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2022 and the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2023.
“I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 tour to Australia and the love that he had for the British and Irish Lions was reflected in how he operated on a daily basis,” said Farrell, who also coached Sexton with Ireland.
“His influence on that Lions team and that Series win, our only win in the last 24 years, cannot be underestimated.
“His fight and his dedication as a player is something that he will bring to this Lions Tour and I know that the players will relish his experience and expertise alongside all of our assistant coaches.”
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.