“I’m excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the Lions”
The IRFU have announced that Johnny Sexton will be taking up a full-time role with Ireland men’s senior team, having been part of the coaching ticket on a part-time basis over the past year, mainly helping out with the outhalves.
The Ireland icon will now be a full-time assistant coach with the team, as well as working ‘with the various Men’s and Women’s national Age Grade sides up to Senior level’.
Sexton said: “I am excited to join the IRFU on a full time basis and am extremely passionate about the opportunity to work with current and future players. 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.”
The announcement also revealed that the former out-half will be joining head coach Andy Farrell on the Lions tour of Australia this summer.
Sexton added: “I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the British and Irish Lions and I would like to thank Andy for this incredible opportunity.
“It promises to be an exciting tour to Australia and I know from experience the challenges that awaits 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.”
Sexton is a two-time Lions tourist, playing in six tests in total, as the Lions won the series against Australia in 2013 and drew with the All Blacks in 2017.
He will join Ireland coaches Andrew Goodman, Simon Easterby, and John Fogarty on this year’s Lions tour.
Andy Farrell said: “I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 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, 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.”
