Irish legend Johnny Sexton will serve as assistant coach for Andy Farrell’s staff on the tour of the British Irish Lions in Australia this summer, the team announced Thursday.
In another announcement, Ireland said Sexton will win a full-time position with the country’s union starting on August 1st. He was supporting Ireland this year for Six Nations, especially for teams Fly Harves and Captain Kahland Squirrel.
“We promise to be an exciting tour to Australia and we know from our experience the challenges await us,” Sexton said in a statement.
“Playing for the Lions has been my great ambition in my playing career. My memories of my tour to Australia and New Zealand will be with me forever.”
Sexton played on the Australian successful Lions Tour in 2013 and the New Zealand Tour in 2017, making a total of 14 appearances.
He has been added to the Ireland-dominated coaching staff, with Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman and John Fogerty already in place along with Richard Wigglesworth and John Dalziel.
“The first time he coached Johnny to Australia during his 2013 Lions tour, and the love he had for the Lions in England and Ireland was reflected in how he runs on a daily basis,” Farrell said.
“His impact on that Lions team and its series victory is the only victory in the last 24 years and should not be underestimated.
“His fight and dedication as a player is what he brings to this Lions Tour and I know that players will enjoy his experience and expertise along with all our assistant coaches.”
The Lions played Argentina in Dublin on June 20th, with five warm-up matches in Australia and three Tests on July 19th, July 26th and August 2nd.
The Lions won their final series 2-1 in Australia in 2013, when they lost their 2-1 series 2-1.
Information from Reuters contributed to this story.
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