Johnny Sexton added to Andy Farrell’s Lions coaching staff

Since retiring in 2023, 2018 world player of the year Sexton has worked with Ireland in a part-time coaching capacity, but the IRFU has confirmed that his role will become permanent on August 1.

Thu, 17 Apr, 2025 - 10:01

Shane Donovan

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has added Johnny Sexton to his backroom team as an assistant coach for the 2025 Tour of Australia.

Farrell - who is on a break from his role as Ireland boss - has called upon the expertise of two-time tourist Sexton, who played 14 times for the Lions during a glittering career for Ireland, Leinster and Racing 92.

Since retiring in 2023, 2018 world player of the year Sexton has linked up with Ireland in a part-time coaching capacity, and is likely to join Farrell's Lions as a kicking coach.

His part-time role with Ireland will become permanent on August 1 this year. As part of his expanded role with the IRFU, he will work with the various men's and women's national age-grade sides up to senior level.

The former Ireland out-half and captain, 39, started all three Tests against the Wallabies in 2013 and went on to face the All Blacks as many times in 2017.

“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.”

"I would like to thank the IRFU and David (Humphreys) for supporting me with this opportunity."

Farrell added: "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.

"It is a significant coup to appoint someone of Johnny’s standing and experience in the game and I am delighted to continue my long association with him.

"It was clear from working together during the recent Autumn Nations Series that he has the talent and skillset to add to our coaching team with Ireland and I know how driven he is to add to the Lions, firstly this summer, and then on a full-time basis with Ireland later this year.

"I look forward to working together over the coming months and wish him well in this new chapter in his coaching career."