The British & Irish Lions have confirmed that former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will join Andy Farrell’s coaching team as an assistant for the 2025 Qatar Airways Lions Series in Australia.
It is the 39?year?old’s first Lions coaching role, coming less than two years after his retirement from Test rugby.
The British & Irish Lions
Lion #791, Sexton played 14 matches for the composite side across the 2013 and 2017 Tours, starting every Test against the Wallabies and All Blacks respectively. His stellar playing career also delivered 118 Ireland caps and multiple titles with Leinster.
Since retiring, Sexton has been working part?time with Ireland and will switch to a full?time IRFU role from 1 August before linking up with the Lions. He joins fellow assistants Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman and John Fogarty on a staff led by Farrell.
“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,” said Sexton.
“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 Andy Farrell said: “I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 Lions Tour to Australia and the love that he had for The British & 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, should not 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.”
The 2025 tour begins with a warm?up fixture against an Argentina XV at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 20 June, followed by five provincial matches and a three?Test series versus Australia in July and August.
Lions CEO Ben Calveley said: “The 2025 Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Series is almost upon us and it is fantastic to confirm Johnny Sexton as one of Andy Farrell’s assistant coaches for the Tour.
“Each of the coaches has been chosen to bring their expertise as we look to achieve a Series victory in Australia and we know Johnny will be a key part of that team.”
British & Irish Lions Chair and Tour Manager Ieuan Evans MBE said: “We are very excited to welcome Johnny into our coaching team for the Tour of Australia this summer. We know he will bring a huge amount given his experience and we are looking forward to welcoming him.”
