In a significant announcement for rugby fans, the British and Irish Lions have unveiled their coaching team for the upcoming tour of Australia this summer. Head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that he will be joined by five esteemed coaches, including Richard Wigglesworth, Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman, John Fogarty, and John Dalziel, marking a new chapter for the Lions.
The selection of Wigglesworth, who serves as the senior coach for England, is particularly notable. His appointment adds a fresh perspective to the coaching staff, which has been heavily influenced by Irish rugby. Easterby, who recently acted as Ireland's interim head coach during the Six Nations, will take charge of the defence. Meanwhile, Goodman, who has been with Ireland since late 2024, will focus on attack strategy, and Fogarty will oversee the scrum.
Dalziel, the Scotland forwards coach, rounds out the team and represents a surprising inclusion, as his name was not widely speculated prior to the announcement. This marks the first time since 2001 that there is no Welsh representation among the Lions coaching staff, a fact that has raised eyebrows among rugby enthusiasts.
Farrell expressed his excitement about the newly formed coaching team, stating, “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.” He emphasized the versatility and interchangeable skill sets of the coaches, describing it as a vital asset for the Lions Tour.
Wigglesworth, reflecting on his selection, shared his pride, saying, “Proud is probably an understatement to how I am feeling right now.” He acknowledged the caliber of Farrell, who had previously coached him at Saracens and England, and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Lions squad.
Dalziel, who has been involved with the Scotland set-up since 2020, echoed similar sentiments, calling it a “huge honour” to be part of the Lions coaching team. He noted the palpable energy from the first meeting of the coaching group, which has him excited to work alongside such talented individuals.
As the Lions prepare for their tour, they will first face Argentina in Dublin on June 20, 2025, before heading to Australia. Their first match on Australian soil will be against Western Force on June 28, 2025. The highly anticipated first Test against the Wallabies is scheduled for July 19, 2025, in Brisbane, with subsequent Tests taking place in Melbourne and Sydney.
The Wallabies currently rank eighth in the world, trailing behind teams like Ireland, England, and Scotland. Despite their lower ranking, they recently showcased their strength with a notable victory over England at Twickenham during their autumn tour.
With over 500,000 tickets already sold for the nine matches across six Australian cities, the series is expected to draw large crowds. The second Test in Melbourne, held at the MCG, is anticipated to set a record for the largest crowd at a Lions Test, with the venue accommodating over 100,000 spectators.
In a related development, the Lions CEO Ben Calveley hinted at the possibility of a future fixture against France, a match that would generate significant interest on both sides of the Channel. “We have a really strong relationship with the countries we have toured historically, but we are very interested in broadening that footprint and building a relationship in new territories,” Calveley remarked.
As the Lions embark on this journey, the blend of experienced coaches and fresh talent is poised to create a unique dynamic. Farrell's leadership and vision for the team will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the tour, aiming to unite players from different nations to compete at the highest level.
The Lions have a storied history, and this summer's tour promises to add another chapter to their legacy. With a mix of seasoned professionals and new faces, fans are eager to see how this coaching team will shape the future of the British and Irish Lions in Australia.
