Andy Farrell, head coach of the British & Irish Lions, has officially confirmed his coaching staff for the highly anticipated Lions tour to Australia in 2025. Farrell, who has already achieved success in his role as head coach of the Irish national team, has selected a dynamic coaching group made up of prominent figures from across the rugby world. The new staff includes Richard Wigglesworth, Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman, and John Dalziel, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
This coaching team marks an important moment in Lions history, as it is the first time that no Welsh coaches will be included in the staff since 2001. While the Welsh rugby team has long been a key contributor to the Lions’ coaching staff, Farrell’s selection is a clear reflection of his commitment to building a team based on merit and tactical need, rather than national affiliation.
Richard Wigglesworth Joins as Assistant Coach
Richard Wigglesworth, a former England international and one of the most experienced players in English rugby history, has been named as part of Farrell’s coaching staff. Wigglesworth, who retired from playing in 2024, has made a smooth transition into coaching, having worked with the England team as an assistant coach in recent months. He brings a unique understanding of the game’s tactical nuances and is widely regarded for his in-depth knowledge of attacking strategies.
Wigglesworth’s playing career included more than 250 appearances for Saracens, where he won multiple Premiership titles and European Champions Cup titles. His experience in the English system and his work with the England team’s attack now positions him as a valuable asset to the Lions. With a reputation for his ability to analyse the intricacies of play and break down opposition defences, Wigglesworth is set to bring invaluable knowledge to the Lions’ backline, particularly in attack and kicking.
Simon Easterby: A Familiar Face in Coaching
Simon Easterby, the former Ireland back-rower and long-time assistant coach for the Irish national team, has also been selected to join Farrell’s coaching staff. Easterby, who played for Ireland and the Lions in 2005, has been instrumental in shaping the Irish team’s defensive strategies, and his work on the defensive side of the game will be crucial for the Lions in 2025. Easterby is no stranger to the Lions set-up, having previously been part of the coaching staff during the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.
As one of the most experienced defensive coaches in Europe, Easterby’s input will be vital in shaping the Lions’ approach to defence, particularly in terms of line speed, discipline, and organisation. His tactical insight into the game’s defensive aspects will be key in keeping the opposition at bay, especially with the attacking power that Australian teams are known for. Easterby’s extensive experience with Ireland’s defence, including their Six Nations successes, will undoubtedly bring valuable lessons to the Lions squad.
Andrew Goodman: Rising Star in Irish Rugby
Andrew Goodman’s inclusion in the coaching team highlights the rising influence of Irish rugby. Having joined Ireland’s coaching setup in 2024, Goodman quickly established himself as an essential member of the team, working with the backline and refining Ireland’s attacking strategies. His ability to develop attacking patterns and orchestrate dynamic, fluid moves will be crucial for the Lions’ success in Australia, where fast-paced, high-tempo rugby is often the order of the day.
Goodman’s career as a player, most notably with the Crusaders in New Zealand, has given him a wealth of experience to draw from. His understanding of the attacking game, both in terms of decision-making and skill execution, positions him as a strong addition to Farrell’s team. The Australian-born coach will bring a strategic vision for creating attacking opportunities, making the Lions’ backline more dangerous and unpredictable.
John Dalziel: Strengthening the Forward Pack
John Dalziel, who has been Scotland’s forwards coach since 2020, is another key figure in Farrell’s coaching team. Dalziel has gained a reputation for developing Scotland’s forward pack into one of the most competitive in Europe. His approach focuses on enhancing set-piece play, particularly in scrummaging and lineouts, as well as ensuring the forward players’ physicality and work rate are maximised.
Dalziel’s expertise will be invaluable in the Lions’ battle against the formidable Australian forwards. His meticulous work with Scotland’s forwards, who have improved significantly under his guidance, will be applied to the Lions’ squad to ensure that the pack can dominate physically in both set pieces and open play. Dalziel’s experience at the highest level of European rugby, as well as his understanding of the importance of forward dominance, will be pivotal for the Lions as they look to assert themselves against the Wallabies.
The Significance of Farrell’s Coaching Choices
Farrell’s coaching team for the Lions tour of Australia is indicative of his philosophy of selecting the best available talent regardless of nationality. While the lack of Welsh representation may raise some eyebrows, it’s clear that Farrell is focused on what will give the Lions the best chance of success. The team’s tactical focus will likely centre on creating a balanced approach, combining a solid defensive system with an exciting and potent attacking threat.
The choices of Wigglesworth, Easterby, Goodman, and Dalziel speak to Farrell’s commitment to building a well-rounded coaching team, one that will cover all areas of the game from set-pieces to backline attack. Each member of the staff brings their own unique strengths, and together, they will work to create a team capable of achieving victory on Australian soil.
Looking Ahead: The Lions’ Australian Tour
The British & Irish Lions’ tour of Australia in 2025 will be one of the most highly anticipated events in the rugby world. The Lions will face Australia in a series of test matches, as well as several warm-up games against local sides. The Lions’ squad will be announced on May 8, 2025, and anticipation will continue to build as Farrell and his coaching team prepare the squad for what is sure to be a challenging but exciting tour.
While the exact make-up of the playing squad remains to be seen, the appointment of this experienced coaching team suggests that Farrell is determined to ensure the Lions perform at their best. The likes of Wigglesworth, Easterby, Goodman, and Dalziel will be integral to the Lions’ preparations, helping to fine-tune the tactics and strategies required to take on Australia’s formidable team.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the British & Irish Lions
Andy Farrell’s announcement of his coaching team for the Lions tour marks the beginning of a new chapter for the prestigious touring side. The inclusion of Richard Wigglesworth, Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman, and John Dalziel adds depth, expertise, and a fresh tactical outlook to the Lions’ coaching staff. Together, they will work tirelessly to prepare the team for what promises to be an exciting and competitive tour of Australia in 2025. With a coaching staff this experienced and well-balanced, the British & Irish Lions are in safe hands as they aim to continue their legacy of excellence in world rugby.
