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Andy Farrell confirms Lions coaching team
By Martyn Thomas reporting from London
John Dalziel, Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, Andrew Goodman and Richard Wigglesworth have been confirmed as part of Andy Farrell’s coaching team for this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
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Easterby has served as an assistant with Ireland since 2014, working with Farrell for the past nine years, and was in interim charge of the side during this year’s Guinness Six Nations, leading the team to third place.
He will be joined on the tour by fellow Ireland assistants, scrum coach Fogarty and Goodman, who leads the Irish backs.
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Scotland assistant Dalziel, meanwhile, has been in charge of the country’s forwards since 2020 and former Leicester boss Wigglesworth has led England’s attack for the past two years and helped his country to second place in this year’s championship.
None of the assistants selected to tour Australia have previous Lions coaching experience. There is no representation on the panel from Wales.
Farrell said: “This is a special day for The British & Irish Lions and our five new Assistant Coaches who came together yesterday for the very first time.
“Putting together a Lions coaching team is an honour and a privilege – and the five phone calls made to this group of coaches reminds you just how special and unique it is.
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“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.
“A Lions Tour is all about understanding the demands that we will face on and off the pitch and a fresh perspective amongst this coaching group is something that I am really excited by.
“We now have a month and a half to come together and select players ahead of an historic squad announcement at The O2 in front of our Lions fans.”
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The Lions will play their first match of the tour against Argentina in Dublin in just 86 days and preparation for the trip can now begin in earnest.
Dalziel said: “It’s a huge honour and I am massively thankful for the opportunity. It’s a real 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.
“To get the chance to also work with players from other Unions that you see from afar will be a great challenge.
“And what a start we have to the Tour with the game against Argentina in Dublin – one of the form teams in the world right now. It will be a huge occasion with the Lions’ very first game in Ireland.”
Easterby said: “It’s incredible to be part of the Lions coaching team and this is a very proud day for me and my family.
“It doesn’t get any better than a Lions Tour. I was lucky enough to Tour with the Lions 20 years ago. It’s been a long time between gigs, but it is an exciting time and I am looking forward to getting stuck in.
“To Tour as a player and now as a coach, knowing the group of players that we have the potential of working with, is something that I can’t wait to get stuck into.
“A Lions Tour also gives you the opportunity to work with people you haven’t before.”
Fogarty said: “I didn’t believe Andy when he called me. This is a dream come true and I am so proud and thankful to Andy and everyone at the Lions.
“I have had some brilliant days with Leinster and Ireland, but there is something so special about bringing the home nations and all their supporters together.
“The responsibility to make sure this is a successful Tour is incredibly special – I just can’t wait.
“It’s a massive challenge and there is a huge opportunity to do something really special. I can’t wait to get going.”
Goodman said: “When Andy phoned up, I was silent for about 30 seconds and he even asked if I was still there.
“I was shocked. . .excited – all the emotions. It was pretty special calling my family back home in New Zealand.
“And it’s been exciting to meet some new faces in John and Richard and there is that continuity, too, with the guys I have worked with over the last period.
“It is an exciting mix and there will be a different dynamic of a big Tour. The key is making sure everyone is connected and they have great craic off the field too.”
Wigglesworth said: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of the Lions. Proud is probably an understatement to how I am feeling right now.
“I never got to play with Andy, but he was my coach at Saracens and England so I know his calibre and I am thoroughly looking forward to working with him.
“When I got the call I was in the back garden with my five-year-old daughter on dad duties and I had to quieten her down whilst I took it.”
The Lions playing squad will be named on May 8.
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This Lions tour is having a serious impact on Ireland. Gatland started the tradition of taking a long sabbatical including missing a 6N. Now Ireland have 3 senior coaches tied up in a summer where Ireland needs to start blooding new players.
I understand the Lions tour is a cash cow for the sport but as an Ireland supporter I am not seeing much benefit here and I don’t have that much loyalty for that team.
I would much prefer if the focus was on boosting and finding revenue in Tier 2 rugby. For the Lions side that means Rugby Europe teams.
Soccer is bigger than Rugby in SA. Yet SA soccer is ranked in the 50s globally. SA rugby has won most RWCs. And two teams have won 7 put of 10 RWCs. This is Mickey Mouse stuff.
There is a bank of 20 ish nations that with focus and investment can jump up and be competitive with Tier1s. That should be the focus. World Rugby history is Tier1A nations fighting over World Cup
bragging rights oblivious to great rugby nations like Romania being decimated. Enough.
‘Rassie-dazzie’ and Gatland conspired to kill it back in 2021. It was a joyless experience to watch.
Are you saying that the Lions should move forward as the British Lions then?
Yes, Scotlands game is built on the success of their forwards and England have such a sparkling attack. Makes sense somewhere I suppose!
I'd have to agree, although I hope W'worth focus is kicking rather than the whole attack.
At least it’s not all Irish though.