Statement: Johnny Sexton confirms his first full time coaching role

04/17/2025 05:16 AM

Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will join the IRFU in a full-time coaching capacity from 1 August, the Union has confirmed.

It’s also been confirmed this morning that the two-time Lion will join as an Assistant Coach for the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia this summer.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

Sexton, who has been working with the Ireland men's squad on a part-time basis since the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, will now step up as an Assistant Coach under Andy Farrell. His expanded remit will also see him contribute to the development of Ireland's national age-grade teams—both men’s and women’s—right through to senior level.

“I’m 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. "I've been fortunate to have great coaches in my own career and I'm keen to share my experience and help the next generation achieve their goals. The investment and focus on pathways in Irish rugby is really encouraging and I believe the future is very bright."

In a further boost to his growing coaching résumé, the IRFU also confirmed that the 38-year-old will join Farrell's backroom staff for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer. Sexton, who played in two Lions series in 2013 and 2017, described the opportunity as a "hugely exciting" next step in his coaching journey.

"Playing for the Lions was a huge ambition of mine, and my memories from those tours will stay with me forever. I'd like to thank Andy for this incredible opportunity and the IRFU and David [Humphreys] for supporting me. It promises to be an exciting tour," he added.

Lions head coach Andy Farrell praised Sexton's appointment, reflecting on their shared history: "I coached Johnny for the first time on the 2013 Tour to Australia. His influence on that team and the Series win—our only one in the last 24 years—was immense. His passion, fight, and dedication are exactly what we want to bring to this year's Tour. He's a significant addition to our staff."

Farrell also highlighted Sexton's recent impact during Ireland's Autumn Nations Series, saying it confirmed his potential as a coach. "It was clear how driven he is to contribute at the highest level."

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys called Sexton "one of the most iconic figures in Irish rugby" and expressed confidence in his long-term coaching prospects.

"I believe Johnny will play an important role in shaping future Irish talent across the men's and women's game," Humphreys said. "His upcoming experience with the Lions will only strengthen his coaching credentials as he transitions into this next phase of his rugby career."

Sexton retired from playing following the 2023 Rugby World Cup after earning 118 caps for Ireland, leading them to a Grand Slam in 2023 and becoming their all-time leading points scorer.

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Sir Ian McGeechan Named the 5 Greatest Players in Rugby History

When Sir Ian McGeechan speaks, the rugby world listens. The legendary Lions boss – who's done it all as both player and coach – knows greatness when he sees it.

With six British & Irish Lions tours on his CV (four as head coach, two as a player), the Scotsman has spent decades rubbing shoulders with the very best. His rugby brain is unmatched, and his influence on the game? Monumental.

So when Geech picks his top five players of all time, it's a list worth taking seriously.

And yes, there's room for a few shockers – including a certain Irish centre who didn't make the cut…

Honourable mentions:

 Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – arguably the greatest centre of all time, but not quite in Geech's top five.
 JPR Williams (Wales) – a trailblazing fullback who redefined his position.

But who did make the cut? An English genius, a Welsh wizard – and a few picks that might just surprise you.

Let's break it down.

#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

A behemoth who changed the game forever, Jonah Lomu was rugby's first global superstar. The 6ft 5in, 120kg winger was a terrifying blend of speed and power, redefining what was possible for a man of his size.

Lomu's explosive performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup remain the stuff of legend, as he bulldozed defences with ease, scoring four tries in an iconic semi-final against England.

McGeechan wrote: "Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby."

#4. Martin Johnson (England)

One of the most fearsome captains in rugby history, Martin Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003, cementing his place among the sport's greats.

Renowned for his towering physicality, leadership, and sheer will to win, the Leicester lock was the heart of England's forward dominance during his era. He remains the only man to have captained the Lions on two tours.

McGeechan wrote: "I think he defined an era, both for forward play and for the performances of the teams he represented."

#3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Regarded by many as the finest fly-half to ever play the game, Dan Carter's all-around excellence made him a once-in-a-generation talent.

The All Black maestro's tactical awareness, immaculate goal-kicking, and game-breaking ability saw him guide New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.

McGeechan wrote: "He really was the complete 10. His defence was immaculate, he could break himself, he could bring others into play, his kicking from hand and from tee was incredibly accurate. He also changed the way the game was played with his kicking from his own 22m and his kicking to compete. The greatest of the modern era in my opinion."

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