British and Irish Lions coaching ticket announced as Andy Farrell turns to trusted Ireland assistants but England and Scotland also represented
Andy Farrell during the British and Irish Lions Head Coach announcement.
John Dalziel, Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, Andrew Goodman and Richard Wigglesworth have been appointed as Andy Farrell’s assistant coaches for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
While Wigglesworth, Easterby, Goodman and Fogarty were all expected to be named, Scotland coach Dalziel’s appointment as forwards coach is a surprise inclusion.
Easterby, Goodman and Fogarty have also served under Farrell during his tenure with Ireland.
Andy Farrell names coaching staff for British and Irish Lions tour
Commenting on his selections, Farrell said: “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.
“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.
“This coaching group has versatility and are interchangeable in their skillset, which is a vital asset to have on a Lions Tour.
“I think we have a fantastic mix and every one of these guys will bring their own character and personality to the team.
“A Lions Tour is all about understanding the demands that we will face on and off the pitch, and a fresh perspective amongst this coaching group is something that I am really excited by.
“We now have a month and a half to come together and select players ahead of a historic squad announcement at The O2 in front of our Lions fans.”
Lions CEO Ben Calveley added: “I would like to place on record my thanks to our Union CEOs who send their coaches off to the Lions with their full backing and support.
“These appointments are always incredibly special, and Andy was always clear in his mind that he wanted to give potential staff members the opportunity to put their hand up during the Six Nations.
“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.”
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‘Another special day’
British & Irish Lions chair and tour manager Ieuan Evans said: “Today marks another special day in a Lions Tour year as Andy brings these coaches together for the very first time.
“With the squad announcement coming up on May 8, this truly is a memorable period for Lions fans ahead of the Tour to Australia.
“Andy has left no stone unturned in assembling this coaching set-up and he is a master at bringing people together and creating the ultimate team environment.”
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