Johnny Sexton confirmed as assistant for British and Irish Lions tour of Australia as former Ireland fly-half takes first major steps into coaching career

• Johnny Sexton will be an assistant coach for the Lions in Australia this summer
• The former Ireland No 10 and head coach Andy Farrell know each other well
• Sexton retired from playing after the 2023 World Cup and had a fine career 

By ALEX BYWATER

Former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton will be a part of this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia as an assistant coach to boss Andy Farrell. 

Sexton, 39, retired from international rugby as a player after the 2023 World Cup, bringing to an end a glittering career on the field. 

He has a close working relationship with Farrell from their time together as player and head coach respectively with Ireland. 

The former playmaker has spent time working as an assistant coach with Ireland since ending his playing days, but will now step up that role with the Lions. 

Sexton played 14 times for the Lions across two tours, making three Test appearances apiece on the 2013 and 2017 visits to Australia and New Zealand respectively. 

He was left out of the 2021 Covid-19 tour of South Africa by then coach Warren Gatland. 

Former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton will be an assistant coach for the Lions in Australia

Sexton joins the Lions coaching ticket already put together by head coach Andy Farrell (centre)

‘I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the British & Irish Lions and I would like to thank Andy for this incredible opportunity,’ Sexton said. 

‘It promises to be an exciting tour to Australia and I know from experience the challenges that await 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.’ 

Lions head coach Farrell said: ‘I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 Lions tour to Australia and the love he had for the Lions was reflected in how he operated on a daily basis. 

‘His influence on that Lions team and that series win, our only win in the last 24 years, should not be underestimated. 

Farrell knows Sexton well. The two have worked together with Ireland and the Lions previously

‘His fight and dedication as a player is something he will bring to this Lions tour and I know the players will relish his experience and expertise alongside all of our assistant coaches.’ 

At the same time as his Lions call was confirmed, it was also announced Sexton will join the Ireland national set-up on a full-time basis moving forward. 

Sexton will work work with Ireland’s men’s and women’s national age-grade teams up to senior level post the Lions.

With the Lions, he is expected to work with the kickers and the outside backs. 

Sexton’s appointment continues a strong Irish theme to the coaching ticket for the Australia tour. Farrell is, of course, Ireland head coach. 

Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, Andrew Goodman and now Sexton will all join him in Australia from the Irish set-up. 

John Dalziel (Scotland) and Richard Wigglesworth (England) are the other assistants. 

Farrell will announce his Lions playing squad for Australia on May 8. 

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Johnny Sexton confirmed as assistant for British and Irish Lions tour of Australia as former Ireland fly-half takes first major steps into coaching career

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