ANDY FARRELL has named his British & Irish Lions coaching team – with Simon Easterby among three Irish personnel brought in.
Ireland head coach Farrell is on secondment to take charge of the Lions for the summer tour of Australia.
Easterby succeeded him on an interim basis for the Six Nations, and will reunite with the Englishman this summer.
He is joined by Andrew Goodman and John Fogarty on the coaching ticket, alongside Scotland‘s John Dalziel and England‘s Richard Wigglesworth.
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 an historic squad announcement at The O2 in front of our Lions fans.”
The group have started work on preparations ahead of the 1888 Cup against Argentina in Dublin followed by the Tour to Australia in June, July and August.
They begin the tour with games against Western Force in Perth. Queensland Reds in Brisbane, NSW Waratahs in Sydney, ACT Brumbies in Canberra, and an Australia and New Zealand invitational side in Adelaide.
The first Test against the Wallabies will follow in Brisbane on July 19, with the second and third Tests coming Melbourne and Sydney on July 26 and August 2.
Easterby said: “It’s incredible to be part of the Lions coaching team and this is a very proud day for me and my family.
“It doesn’t get any better than a Lions Tour. I was lucky enough to Tour with the Lions 20 years ago.
“It’s been a long time between gigs, but it is an exciting time and I am looking forward to getting stuck in.
“To Tour as a player and now as a coach, knowing the group of players that we have the potential of working with, is something that I can’t wait to get stuck into.
“A Lions Tour also gives you the opportunity to work with people you haven’t before.”
Fogarty said: “I didn’t believe Andy when he called me.
“This is a dream come true and I am so proud and thankful to Andy and everyone at the Lions.
“I have had some brilliant days with Leinster and Ireland, but there is something so special about bringing the home nations and all their supporters together.
“The responsibility to make sure this is a successful Tour is incredibly special – I just can’t wait.
“It’s a massive challenge and there is a huge opportunity to do something really special. I can’t wait to get going.”
‘PRETTY SPECIAL’
And Goodman said: “When Andy phoned up, I was silent for about 30 seconds and he even asked if I was still there.
“I was shocked. . .excited – all the emotions. It was pretty special calling my family back home in New Zealand.
“And it’s been exciting to meet some new faces in John and Richard and there is that continuity, too, with the guys I have worked with over the last period.
“It is an exciting mix and there will be a different dynamic of a big Tour. The key is making sure everyone is connected and they have great craic off the field too.”
