Johnny Sexton is set to move into a full-time coaching role with Ireland, while the former out-half has also been confirmed as a member of Andy Farrell's backroom team on the British and Irish Lions.
The ex-Ireland captain will be a kicking coach in Farrell’s backroom team for the tour of Australia this summer. which is already heavily populated by Irish coaches. Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman and John Fogarty have already been announced on the ticket, as well as England’s Richard Wigglesworth and Scotland’s John Dalziel.
Additionally, the IRFU have confirmed Sexton will become a permanent member of the Ireland coaching team from next season.
The 39-year-old joined the coaching staff on a part-time basis ahead of the Autumn Nations Series, working with the Irish kickers, and appeared to have a more hands-on role during the 2025 Six Nations, while Farrell was on his Lions sabbatical.
Sexton played on the 2013 tour of Australia and started all three Tests in the series win, and also featured in each Test of the drawn series in New Zealand in 2017.
"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 await 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. I would like to thank the IRFU and David [Humphreys] for supporting me with this opportunity."
Sexton will begin his full-time role with Ireland in August where he will be an assistant coach for the men's national team, although he will also work with the various men's and women's national age-grade sides.
"Johnny is one of the most iconic figures in the history of Irish Rugby and I am delighted that he sees his long-term future as a coach in Ireland," IRFU performance director David Humphreys said.
"I believe that he will play an important role in sharing his coaching insights with male and female players from the age grade system right up to the Ireland national teams.
"In formally welcoming Johnny to the IRFU I would also like to congratulate him on his selection with the British and Irish Lions. I have no doubt that the experience gained on this Tour will greatly benefit him as he begins his full-time coaching career in the months and years to come."
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