Rugby Union
Former Ireland Fly-Half Johnny Sexton Named As British And Irish Lions Assistant Coach
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Former Leinster and Ireland star Johnny Sexton has been named as an assistant coach for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer.
Sexton, 39, toured twice with the Lions in 2013 and 2017, and retired from playing after the 2023 World Cup in .
The former fly-half won five Six Nations titles with Ireland and has been working with the Irish team in a casual coaching role since November.
He is due to take up a full-time role with Ireland in August, coaching the senior men’s team as well as helping with age-grade and women’s rugby.
Welcome Johnny 👋🦁
The two-time Lion will as an Assistant Coach for our Tour of Australia this summer. #Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/rcFpTttAuW
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) April 17, 2025
Johnny Sexton Excited By Lions Opportunity
Speaking about the Lions role, Sexton voiced his excitement and thanked head coach Andy Farrell.
“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 Lions get their campaign underway with a rare home fixture, facing Argentina in Dublin on 20 June before making the long trip down under to Australia.
Following a series of warm-up games against provincial sides, the Lions will play the Wallabies over three tests on 19 July, 26 July and 2 August.
Andy Farrell Sings Sexton’s Praises
Sexton played a crucial role in the Lions’ victorious 2013 tour to Australia, starting all three tests as the Lions won 2-1.
He also featured heavily in 2017 as the Lions drew with New Zealand, but was not selected in 2021.
Speaking about what Sexton will bring to a coaching role, Andy Farrell was full of praise for his former player.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Sexton will up with Andy Farrell’s coaching group, which was announced last month.
It includes England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth, as well as Ireland coaches Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman and John Fogarty and Scottish forwards coach John Dalziel.