Lions Name Coaching Staff For 2025 Australia Tour Under Andy Farrell
Lions Name Coaching Staff For 2025 Australia Tour Under Andy Farrell
British & Irish Lions announce coaching staff for Australia tour, led by Andy Farrell, with no Welsh representation for the first time since 2001.
Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel and England senior coach Richard Wigglesworth have been named as part of the British and Irish Lions coaching team for their summer tour of Australia.
Head coach Andy Farrell’s selections lean heavily on his Ireland setup, from which he is taking a leave of absence to lead the tourists.
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Simon Easterby, who stepped in as Ireland’s interim head coach during the Six Nations, is joined by attack coach Andrew Goodman and scrum specialist John Fogarty.
Notably, no Welsh coaches were selected, marking the first time since 2001 that a Lions coaching staff does not feature a representative from Wales.
Farrell, who opted not to retain experienced kicking coach Neil Jenkins - who has been part of four previous Lions tours - spoke about the selection process.
“Putting together a Lions coaching team is an honor and a privilege, and the five phone calls made to this group of coaches reminds you just how special and unique it is,” Farrell said. “This coaching group has versatility and are interchangeable in their skillset, which is a vital asset to have on a Lions tour. I think we have a fantastic mix, and every one of these guys will bring their own character and personality to the team.”
Wigglesworth, a former Saracens and England assistant, expressed his excitement about working under Farrell once again.
“Proud is probably an understatement to how I am feeling right now,” Wigglesworth said. “I never got to play with Andy, but he was my coach at Saracens and England, so I know his caliber, and I am thoroughly looking forward to working with him.”
Dalziel shared similar sentiments, calling his appointment a “pinch-yourself moment.”
“Even from our first meeting as coaches, you could feel the energy in the room, and it is hugely exciting to work with these guys,” Dalziel said.
While no Welsh coaches made the cut, strength and conditioning expert Aled Walters is part of the wider support staff, alongside analyst Vinny Hammond. David Nucifora, named as the Lions’ performance manager in January, brings extensive experience from his time with Ireland and Scotland.
@florugbytv 🦁🔥 The Lions are ready for Australia! Meet the coaching squad leading the charge. Who’s excited for the tour? 👀🏉 #LionsTour #Rugby #britishandirishlions ♬ original sound - FloRugby
Easterby, who had the opportunity to remain with Ireland for their expected summer fixtures against Georgia and Portugal, said the opportunity to work with a diverse group of players made his decision an easy one.
“To tour as a player and now as a coach, knowing the group of players we have the potential of working with, is something I can’t wait to get stuck into,” Easterby said. “A Lions tour also gives you the opportunity to work with people you haven’t before.”
The Lions’ preparations begin with a match against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, before facing Western Force in Perth on June 28. The first test against Australia is set for July 19 in Brisbane, followed by clashes in Melbourne and Sydney.
Though ranked eighth in the world, the Wallabies impressed with a recent victory over England at Twickenham and a strong start to the Super Rugby Pacific season.
More than 500,000 fans are expected to attend the nine-match series, with the second test at Melbourne Cricket Ground likely to set an attendance record for a Lions test match, with a capacity exceeding 100,000 spectators.
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