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Wigglesworth and Dalziel, coaches of Rugby-Easterby and the Lions, join Farrell in his coaching team

Andy Farrell, British and Irish Lions Coach, has drawn on his Ireland connections to appoint Simon Easterby and Andrew Goodman, John Fogarty and Richard Wigglesworth, as well as John Dalziel and Richard Wigglesworth, his assistants, for the tour of Australia this year.

Farrell confirmed in London the Lions lineup on Wednesday. Three men were from the Ireland team, along with a Scot, an Englishman and a Welshman. This was the first time in Wales since 2001 that no one from Wales had been selected.

Easterby, who took over from Farrell as interim Ireland Coach during the Six Nations, was expected to remain in charge of the summer tests against Georgia & Portugal but has instead joined the Lions.

The lineup includes former England scrumhalf Wigglesworth and Scotland forwards coach Dalziel.

This coaching group is interchangeable and versatile, which will be a great asset on the Lions Tour," Farrell said. He will announce his playing squad at an event in London's 02 on 8 May, attended for the first-time by thousands of fans.

"I believe we have a great mix. Each of these guys brings their own personality and character to the team.

"A Lions Tour is about understanding the demands we will face both on and off the field and I am excited to see a new perspective in this coaching group."

Farrell has compiled a list of 75 players from which a group of 35-40 finalist will be selected.

He said, "Everyone of them deserves to make that list. There will be a lot more good players who won't get on the plane."

Ideal Fit

Easterby is a perfect fit. He was born in England, but played club rugby for Wales, and also represented Ireland and the Lions.

"I had the good fortune to tour with The Lions twenty years ago. He said that it had been a while since he played a gig, but it was an exciting time.

"I can't wait for the opportunity to tour both as a player, and as a coach. I know the players we will be working with.

David Humphreys, IRFU Performance director said: "I congratulate Simon and John on their selection. This is a big statement of confidence in their skills and standing in the wider game.

Humphreys announced that Ireland's forwards' coach Paul O'Connell will take on the coaching duties of the summer tour.

The Lions will play Argentina on June 20, before playing five warm-up games in Australia, and then the three test matches on July 19, July 26, and August 2.

The Lions' last series in Australia was won by the Lions 2-1, in 2013, after losing their previous series in 2001.

They lost 2-1 in South Africa, in 2021. (Reporting and editing by Ed Osmond, Mitch Phillips)

(source: Reuters)