Johnny Sexton gets British & Irish Lions call and new Ireland role

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.

Johnny Sexton’s late drop goal snatches victory in Paris 2018

Johnny Sexton’s late drop goal snatches victory in Paris 2018

Six Nations drama as Johnny Sexton snatches victory for Ireland against France in 2018.

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 in a coaching ticket with a heavy Irish accent.

“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.”

Sexton also commented on his new full-time role with the IRFU, saying: “I’ve been extremely fortunate to have great coaches, who nurtured and developed my skills, and I am keen to share my experiences with the next generation and help them achieve their goals. The level of investment and focus on the pathways in Ireland is really encouraging and I believe the future is really bright for Men’s and Women’s rugby in Ireland.”

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.”

His new IRFU remit extends to coaching both men’s and women’s national teams from youth age-grade squads right through to the senior level.

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “Johnny is one of the most iconic figures in the history of Irish Rugby and I am delighted that he sees his long-term future as a coach in Ireland. I believe that he will play an important role in sharing his coaching insights with male and female players from the Age Grade system right up to the Ireland National Teams.

“In formally welcoming Johnny to the IRFU I would also like to congratulate him on his selection with the British and Irish Lions. I have no doubt that the experience gained on this Tour will greatly benefit him as he begins his full-time coaching career in the months and years to come.”