Ireland legend Johnny Sexton lands new job after transition into packaging industry
04/17/2025 09:40 AM
Johnny Sexton has been added to Andy Farrell’s coaching team for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia.
The former Ireland captain is no stranger to the Lions having represented them 14 times across two Tours during his decorated career.
The former Ireland fly-half started all Three Tests against the Wallabies in 2013 and went on to face The All Blacks as many times in 2017.
Sexton will offer huge experience to the current crop of stars tasked with creating history down under this summer.
Although he was not initially named in Farrell's initial list of assistants for the Tour, Sexton will join Simon Easterby, John Dalziel, Andrew Goodman, Richard Wigglesworth and John Fogarty on the coaching team.
The 39-year-old will have his work cut out upon his return from Australia when he takes up a full-time coaching position with the Ireland rugby team on August 1.
But for now, focus is fully on the upcoming Tour of Australia and Sexton is eager to get stuck into his new role.
"I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with The British & Irish Lions and I would like to thank Andy for this incredible opportunity," he said.
"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."
Meanwhile, Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell said: "I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 Lions Tour to Australia and the love that he had for The British & Irish Lions was reflected in how he operated on a daily basis.
"His fight and his dedication as a player is something that he will bring to this Lions Tour and I know that the players will relish his experience and expertise alongside all of our assistant coaches."
The Lions begin their preparations for the Tour with a clash against Argentina in Dublin on June 20 before jetting to Australia for three matches against Australia on July 19, July 26 and August 2.
Lions CEO Ben Calveley said: "The 2025 Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Series is almost upon us and it is fantastic to confirm Johnny Sexton as one of Andy Farrell's assistant coaches for the Tour.
"Each of the coaches has been chosen to bring their expertise as we look to achieve a Series victory in Australia and we know Johnny will be a key part of that team."
Sexton, who captained Leinster during his playing days, retired from professional rugby after the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand in Paris.
Since retiring, Sexton has been working as a part-time commercial manager with the packaging company Ardagh Group.
"I've got a full-time job,” he told talkSPORT last October. “We're rugby players, not like you boys [Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor] putting our feet up.
"It's with a packaging company on the commercial side of that. It's been eye-opening and a massive transition.
"I've been enjoying it. Doing something new and put myself in that environment and challenge myself.
"It's a routine, that's what I'm used to. How do I get my gym in, my few rounds of golf a month, I play in a seven-a-side soccer team too. We have a game a week and have a few pints after.
"That's special because it's being part of a team again. You find ways to adapt.
"I played until I was 38, but you have to move on and not feel sorry for yourself. I played with guys who retired when they were 26 with a career-ending knee injury and had their best years ahead.
"I am very grateful for the time I had."
