Former flyhalf Johnny Sexton has been appointed as assistant coach of Ireland and will also take up a coaching role with the British & Irish Lions.
The 39-year-old has been involved with the Ireland men’s squad in a part-time coaching capacity since mid-2024 and will now also work with men’s and women’s age-group teams in addition to his full-time assistant coaching role of the senior side.
“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,” said Sexton in a statement released by the IRFU on Thursday.
“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.”
Sexton will start his expanded role within the IRFU from 1 August, following the British & Irish Lions’ tour of Australia, for which he will be part of Andy Farrell’s coaching team.
“I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the 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 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.”
Lions head coach Andy 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.”
Sexton retired from international rugby in 2023, following a career which saw him become Ireland’s record point-scorer, as well as the Six Nations overall points record holder.
He was also a pivotal figure in two Six Nations Grand Slams and was named the 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year.
© Agence France-Presse
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