The British & Irish Lions have officially announced the appointment of five new Assistant Coaches as they gear up for the highly anticipated 2025 Tour to Australia. Head Coach Andy Farrell has expanded his backroom team with a diverse selection of talent from three different rugby unions, including John Dalziel from Scotland, Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, and Andrew Goodman from Ireland, and Richard Wigglesworth from England.
This new coaching team comes together just in time for the upcoming 1888 Cup in Dublin, followed by the Lions' Tour to Australia. Farrell expressed his excitement about the new appointments, stating, "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." He emphasized the unique nature of assembling a Lions coaching team, highlighting the versatility and interchangeable skill sets of the coaches as vital assets for the tour.
As preparations begin for the 1888 Cup, the coaching staff is already hard at work. Farrell noted, "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." The squad announcement is set to take place on May 8, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming events.
John Dalziel expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a "huge honour" and a moment to "pinch yourself." He acknowledged the energy in the room during their first meeting and the excitement of working with players from different unions. Meanwhile, Simon Easterby, who has previously toured with the Lions as a player, shared his pride in being part of the coaching team, stating, "It doesn’t get any better than a Lions Tour."
John Fogarty, who has been instrumental in developing one of the best scrums in world rugby, described his appointment as a dream come true. He reflected on his coaching journey, having transitioned from a successful playing career with Munster and Connacht to coaching roles with Leinster and the Irish national team. "The responsibility to make sure this is a successful Tour is incredibly special – I just can’t wait," he said.
Andrew Goodman, another new addition, expressed his initial shock at receiving the call from Farrell, admitting he was silent for 30 seconds before responding. He noted the excitement of meeting new colleagues and the importance of fostering a connected team environment. Richard Wigglesworth, who has experience coaching at Saracens and England, shared his enthusiasm for working alongside Farrell, saying, "I am absolutely delighted to be part of the Lions. Proud is probably an understatement to how I am feeling right now."
The Lions' CEO, Ben Calveley, welcomed the new coaches, acknowledging the support from their respective unions. "These appointments are always incredibly special," he remarked. "Bringing together players and staff from across different Unions, in such a short space of time, really is the ultimate test and this is what the Lions is all about."
As the Lions prepare for their first match against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, the anticipation builds among fans and players alike. The coaching team, with their rich backgrounds and experiences, aims to lead the Lions to success on this prestigious tour.
In a broader context, the appointment of these five coaches reflects the ongoing evolution of rugby, where collaboration and shared expertise across unions are becoming increasingly vital. With the gap between club and international rugby narrowing, the Lions' approach to assembling a diverse coaching team could set a new standard for future tours.
The Lions have historically been known for their ability to unite players from the four home nations, and this new coaching lineup is poised to enhance that spirit. As Farrell and his team embark on this journey, they carry the hopes and expectations of rugby fans across the UK and Ireland.
With the squad announcement on May 8 and the first game against Argentina on June 20, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eager to see which players will don the iconic Lions jersey and how the new coaching team will shape the squad's strategy and performance. The stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable tour, blending tradition with fresh perspectives.
As the Lions embark on this journey, the collaboration of coaches from different unions underscores the importance of unity in achieving success. With their collective experience and passion for the game, Farrell's coaching team is ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in Australia, aiming to add another chapter to the storied legacy of the British & Irish Lions.
