Sport | Johnny Sexton moves into coaching role with Ireland and Lions

Johnny Sexton as Ireland assistant coach during the 2025 Six Nations. (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

• Former international flyhalf Johnny Sexton has been appointed as Ireland’s assistant coach and will also join the British & Irish Lions coaching team for their tour of Australia.
• Sexton, who retired in 2023, has been working with the Ireland men’s squad part-time since 2024 but will now take on a full-time coaching role across senior and underage teams.
• Having an illustrious playing career, Sexton aims to share his experiences with future talents and continue to contribute to the sport.
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Former international 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 Irish rugby union (IRFU) announced on Thursday.

The 39-year-old has been involved with the Ireland men’s squad in a part-time coaching capacity since the 2024 European autumn and will now also work with men’s and women’s underage sides in addition to his full-time assistant coaching role of the senior team.

“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.

“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.”

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Sexton will start his expanded role within the IRFU from 1 August, following the British and 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 British and 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 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 said: “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 points 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 Player of the Year.